‘Why did they wake up in election time?’
Bangalore, March 20, 2018: Even after the second edition of ‘Less Traffic Day’ on March 11, Bengalureans do not seem convinced of the need for it.
To reduce pollution and congestion on the roads, the Karnataka government’s initiative urges citizens to opt for public transport or cycles instead of their private vehicles on the second Sunday of every month. The day was first observed on February 11.
“I doubt the government’s intention behind this initiative. There is very thin traffic on Sundays anyway. So what is the point of doing it on Sundays? But on serious issues like pollution, the government has to be stricter,” IT professional Sheetal Reddy said.
Abhijan Chakroborty, a student of National School of Journalism, informed The Observer: “The once-in-a-month approach is not going to work. We are aware of pollution in the city and always blame the government for that. They have taken the measure when assembly elections are round the corner. Why didn’t they act before? Why do people have to wait for such initiatives? Why don’t they start reducing the use of their private vehicles? I appreciate this initiative taken by the government but am sure it will be implemented poorly.”
Nimmi Satyajit, who works for an MNC, said: “I am not sure I will follow this idea. I use public transport throughout the week to commute to my office, specifically BMTC buses. I take my car out only on the weekends. It would be a pain to use buses on weekends also, though it’s just a day every month.”
According to MNC employee Sumi Mathew, “According to me, the only thing that can improve the quality of life is increasing resources. The practicality of this initiative is questionable.”
However, some citizens think observing a ‘Less Traffic Day’ once in a month is a good idea.
“It is not that tough to follow it. It is just one day after all. I, for one, would surely like to follow it,” said Aswin M, a digital marketing executive.
“Big cities like Bengaluru need it most with their roads getting busier day by day and pollution increasing,” Aswin added.
Pankaj Yadav, an urban planner and adviser, informed The Observer: “This is a good initiative. It is important to raise awareness. But the onus falls on the state to provide alternative transport options for the public. At the moment in Bengaluru, public transport is not as full-fledged as it should be. You are forced to use your own vehicle. Along with this initiative, they should come up with a more robust transportation system with end-to-end connectivity.”
