Sunday Market Debate: Balancing Business Interests and Traffic Challenges in Uttarakhand

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The Doon Valley Mahanagar Udyog Vyapar Mandal (DVMUVM) intends to take steps if the Sunday market at Rangers Ground is not relocated to a location farther from the city centre soon. The Sunday market has long been a source of contention for shopkeepers in Paltan Bazaar, who claimed it has adversely affected their business. Residents have also expressed concerns about the market, citing traffic congestion on Sundays that hinders their movement in the heart of the city.

One resident, Shalu Mittal criticised the establishment of the Sunday market in the city centre. She recounted her recent experience when she had to travel to the Jakhan area on a Sunday. Due to heavy traffic caused largely by the market, she faced significant difficulties reaching her destination. Many Sunday market visitors park their vehicles on the main road, exacerbating the congestion. She urged the authorities to address this issue.

“The Sunday market itself has become a problem for residents in terms of traffic congestion. Sundays are meant for relaxation and visiting new places, but the traffic caused by the Sunday market has made it so challenging that many residents, including myself, now avoid going out on Sundays. The authorities should relocate the Sunday market far away from the city centre,” stated another local Monu Paul.

Many other local residents have voiced similar concerns, along with shopkeepers from Paltan Bazaar, who have also reported that the market has harmed their business.

In light of these issues, DVMUVM president Pankaj Masson said that they have been raising concerns about the Sunday market’s impact on Paltan Bazaar shopkeepers for a long time. He said that they had even approached the mayor for the market’s relocation, which led to the market being removed from Rangers Ground for four Sundays. However, the problem has resurfaced, with the market being reestablished at the same location. Masson emphasised that this issue now affects not only shopkeepers but also many residents due to traffic congestion. Recently, they held a meeting to discuss various factors, including traffic and the impact on shopkeepers’ businesses caused by the Sunday market. He said that if the Sunday market is not relocated soon, they plan to take steps regarding this matter.