The administration’s proposal to not allow two-wheelers in Paltan Bazar evoked a positive response from the traders and others in the city. The shopkeepers trading from the oldest market in the city feel that the restricted movement of the two-wheelers inside the congested lanes of the Bazaar will boost their sale while making it more convenient for the people to shop.
However, there is a parallel view that says the two-wheelers being restricted this way would affect sale instead.
Chintu, a local trader, selling woolens from the market, said that two- wheelers being restricted would make it tough for the people who come from far -off areas to buy stuff. “It is not possible for the shoppers to do shopping across the market. They get tired,” he said.
Critical of the administration’s initiative, Trilok Singh, another trader, said that customers cannot shop freely there as they are constantly nagged by the fear of their vehicles being towed away. “Allowing two- wheelers inside the market is the right thing. It would not just serve the customers but would help the volume of our sale surge up,” he added.
Welcoming the move, Meenakshi Pant, a customer, said that the market being crowded all the time, allowing two- wheelers inside would add to the woes of the pedestrians. Sugandh Singh, another customer, did not, however, agree to Meenakshi’s view. “Two- wheelers, if allowed after 4 pm, would cause as much problem as they do before the time. It would make little or no impact if the move is implemented. However, allowing the vehicles inside the market would help the old and the ailing. They can then shop easily throughout the market”, she added.
Prithviraj Chauhan, Dehradun Congress unit chief, said he had had detailed discussion with the traders over this issue. “Suggestions were given to make Paltan Bazaar route a one-way. Another suggestion given was to make the one- way system in the market from the front and the rear end alternatively. Some expressed concern over the parking system and the subsequent jams that might result from the vehicles entering the bazaar. A proposal to install CCTVs to strengthen security of the bazaar came up in course of the discussion. I would raise all these issues when I would meet the Chief Minister,” he said.
