Juna Bazaar may be relocated

Traffic police in talks with civic body to find new location for flea market as bi-weekly bazaar causes vehicular congestion

Juna Bazaar may be relocated

Traffic police in talks with civic body to find new location for flea market as bi-weekly bazaar causes vehicular congestion

The traffic police and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are currently looking for ways to relocate the Juna Bazaar in Mangalwar Peth to reduce traffic congestion in that area. Officials from both the bodies have revealed that efforts are underway to find a suitable place for the relocation and meetings would also be held with the stall owners to deliberate on the issue.

Space crunch: The Juna Bazaar in Mangalwar Peth takes up all of one
side of the road there, leading to traffic congestion. File Pic

This move comes after the authorities decided to make Lakshmi Road a no-vehicle zone during Diwali. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vishwas Pandhare said the onus was first on the PMC to find an alternative site for relocation. "We have asked the PMC to explore ways and a final decision will be taken when we meet next," he said.

The proposal was reportedly forwarded by Laxman Damse, deputy commissioner, PMC, and is currently under scrutiny by other civic officials. When contacted Damse refused to comment on the issue saying the department was no longer handled by him. A PMC official requesting anonymity said that the matter would be discussed with Mahesh Pathak, municipal cmmissioner.

The issue was discussed in the latest traffic coordination committee meeting between the two bodies. The authorities discussed the repairing and maintenance of signals and other civil works which affect traffic flow.
Officials are tight lipped about the issue since it could lead to severe protests from stall owners and the nearby slum residents.

The Juna Bazaar stalls are set up twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays when the lane towards RTO Sangam Bridge junction from Dengle pool is occupied by the makeshift shops. The stalls are only set up for six hours from 12 pm to 6 pm.