If Junta House is the power hub for the entire state, for ward number 14 represented by Yatin Parekh, it is also posing as an impediment. The incessant traffic that encircles this building adds to the woes of locals who blame CCP for non-planning. There are thousand odd employees working here, who mostly travel by two-wheelers or four-wheelers. Similarly there are equal numbers of vehicles which come to visit these offices.
The locals here admit that CCP alone cannot handle this traffic issue and it requires proper planning with the active support of Urban Development Ministry. People are of the opinion that the government offices should be shifted from this congested area or multi level parking facilities built somewhere near.
“Traffic has been a real worth problem that the city is facing today. Inadequate planning and political issues have led to this mess,” a local says. Also the narrow lane here has not been widened. And now it’s impossible to widen it, as shops have sprung on its edge. Any widening means demolition of shops which would certainly evoke angry reactions. It can be recalled, that the shopkeepers here had objected to the CCP’s pay parking scheme fearing a drop in business.
Local corporator and Deputy Mayor Yatin Parekh feels that the state government agencies along with CCP should drum up support for the congestion free 18th June road and surrounding areas.
Parekh had won this ward in 2006 by defeating Azim Khan. This time, Parekh is pitched against BJP-panel’s Mayor Candidate Ashok Naik in this ward. The ward, which is spread from one side of 18th June road’s right up to the St Inez Church and right side of Atmaram Borkar road, has 1048 voters. Parekh, who remained a favoured corporator, has maintained this ward well. Works to the tune of Rs 3.4 crores have been undertaken by CCP and PWD.
The open spaces are developed properly and garbage problem has been catered to promptly.
