Mahaveer Chowk bears the brunt of Gurugram’s tumultuous traffic

GURUGRAM: The alarming levels of pollution this season have taken a heavy toll on Gurugram, which is second only to Faridabad in terms of being the most polluted city in Delhi-ncr.

One of the major factors of deteriorating air quality in the city is traffic congestion. No where is this issue more vis- ible than at Mahaveer Chowk, regarded as the gateway of Old Gurugram.

Comprising four major intersections, Mahaveer Chowk sees heavy traffic round-theclock each day. What makes matters worse is the lack of adequate parking facility in the area, which results many vehicles parked illegally.

Even on weekends, many policemen are seen managing traffic in the area. During monsoons, traffic jams grow completely out of control.

In the past, various plans have been announced by the Haryana government to decongest the chowk. But most of these plans have not been implemented properly. Recently, a group of shopkeepers in Nehru Market – one of the most crowded areas of Old Gurugram – protested after there were reports that they may be evicted, as public agencies planned to build an underpass around the area.

The traders claimed that more than 250 families will be affected by the displacement of their shops. They also threatened to take legal recourse to prevent their shops from being dismantled. Public agencies, however, claim they are working towards revamping the area.