Ghaziabad changing rapidly
A new resident of Ghaziabad may have seen a lot of changes in the city But, in the wake of all the development, the authorities have forgotten some prominent areas. One such area is Old Arya Nagar, where people have been residing for over 30 years but seen no transformation in their locality.
One of the oldest colonies of Ghaziabad, Old Arya Nagar comprises independent houses on both sides of a single lane. The area is very illogically planned, as there is no room for the parking of vehicles or commuting.
Traffic Congestion
The narrow lane in the area is the major cause of traffic chaos. There is negligible space for parking and the improperly parked vehicles restrict movement.
"This area is a shortcut to the National Highway; the lane from behind leads to the Vijay Nagar bypass, therefore there is always a traffic rush here. The already narrow road becomes more congested with the passing vehicles. Since only one car can pass at a time, those going in the opposite direction have to wait," said Isha Chatwal, a resident.
Adding to the trouble are the private telecommunication companies, which dig up the roads to lay the phone lines but do not clean up the area later.
Illegal Commercialisation
The lack of a market has led to illegal shops being opened in the residential area. The shops range from tailors, beauty saloons, apparel stores, mechanic stores, general stores, to electrical and hardware stores.
"We are not unhappy with the presence of these shops as they cater to our daily needs. And since there is no market nearby, this is quite welcome. The authorities have neither cared to build a market or a park nor have they cared to provide any other facilities," said Anil Sharma, a resident.
The lack of facilities has forced the residents to break laws. People have opened illegal shops and encroached the road by expanding the balconies.
Stray Cattle
The area is devoid of colony gates, because of which it has become a free habitat for stray cattle. Cows, bulls and dogs loiter around at all times of the day
"As it is, the area has narrow lanes and on top of that the stray cattle create more nuisance. With no parks around, our children are forced to play in the lanes but we don't let them because of risk from the stray animals," said Seema Bharadwaj, a resident. Contaminated water and long hours of power cut are other issues of concern for the residents.
Official Speak
The Municipal Corporation of Ghaziabad (MCG) washed its hands off by saying that no such information had reached them so far.
"We have been doing several projects in the city and everyone can witness the road development, the encroachment cleaning drives etc. But as far as this particular ward is concerned, I am yet to receive the details from the people in charge and only then will I be able to take some action," said Mayor Damayanti Goel.
One of the oldest colonies of Ghaziabad, Old Arya Nagar comprises independent houses on both sides of a single lane. The area is very illogically planned, as there is no room for the parking of vehicles or commuting.
Traffic Congestion
The narrow lane in the area is the major cause of traffic chaos. There is negligible space for parking and the improperly parked vehicles restrict movement.
"This area is a shortcut to the National Highway; the lane from behind leads to the Vijay Nagar bypass, therefore there is always a traffic rush here. The already narrow road becomes more congested with the passing vehicles. Since only one car can pass at a time, those going in the opposite direction have to wait," said Isha Chatwal, a resident.
Adding to the trouble are the private telecommunication companies, which dig up the roads to lay the phone lines but do not clean up the area later.
Illegal Commercialisation
The lack of a market has led to illegal shops being opened in the residential area. The shops range from tailors, beauty saloons, apparel stores, mechanic stores, general stores, to electrical and hardware stores.
"We are not unhappy with the presence of these shops as they cater to our daily needs. And since there is no market nearby, this is quite welcome. The authorities have neither cared to build a market or a park nor have they cared to provide any other facilities," said Anil Sharma, a resident.
The lack of facilities has forced the residents to break laws. People have opened illegal shops and encroached the road by expanding the balconies.
Stray Cattle
The area is devoid of colony gates, because of which it has become a free habitat for stray cattle. Cows, bulls and dogs loiter around at all times of the day
"As it is, the area has narrow lanes and on top of that the stray cattle create more nuisance. With no parks around, our children are forced to play in the lanes but we don't let them because of risk from the stray animals," said Seema Bharadwaj, a resident. Contaminated water and long hours of power cut are other issues of concern for the residents.
Official Speak
The Municipal Corporation of Ghaziabad (MCG) washed its hands off by saying that no such information had reached them so far.
"We have been doing several projects in the city and everyone can witness the road development, the encroachment cleaning drives etc. But as far as this particular ward is concerned, I am yet to receive the details from the people in charge and only then will I be able to take some action," said Mayor Damayanti Goel.