Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to Enforce Stricter Measures for Wedding Processions
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to collaborate with other government agencies to implement stringent measures for marriage processions, which have been identified as major contributors to traffic congestion and noise pollution in the city. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns raised by citizen reporters through platforms like the TOI Citizen Reporter portal.
Citizen Complaints Highlight Public Nuisance
Citizen reporter Shivaji Mohinta detailed how marriage processions, with their glaring lights, thunderous sounds, and tendency to block large portions of roads, exacerbate the already chaotic traffic situation in Bhubaneswar. He called on authorities to restrict such activities to mitigate the impact on daily commuters.
Another reporter, Akash Nayak, emphasized that these processions are increasingly becoming a source of public nuisance. He noted that loud music, firecracker bursts, and long convoys of decorated vehicles often obstruct major roads, causing significant inconvenience. Nayak pointed out that pedestrians, especially the elderly and children, struggle to navigate through the crowded streets, turning what should be joyous occasions into public hardships.
Lack of Regulation and Civic Responsibility
Nayak further argued that the absence of proper regulation and civic responsibility has allowed wedding celebrations to disrupt public life. He urged for stricter enforcement of existing rules and encouraged citizens to adopt more responsible practices during such events.
Bhargavi Jena, another citizen reporter, highlighted additional issues, such as the inadequate parking facilities at city banquet halls. This forces vehicle owners to park on busy streets, worsening traffic congestion. Jena suggested that the city administration should regulate procession timings and routes to minimize disruption on arterial roads. She also recommended enforcing licensing norms for banquet halls to ensure sufficient parking space and launching awareness campaigns to educate the public.
Official Response and Existing Rules
In response to these concerns, Mayor Sulochana Das acknowledged that there are existing rules governing marriage processions, which cover aspects like approved routes, timing, use of sound systems, and participant numbers. She stated, "We will pursue the matter with the commissionerate police and ensure that marriage parties obtain prior permissions for their routes, timing, and sound systems. They should not cause traffic congestion."
The current regulations stipulate that marriage processions must follow approved routes and operate only during allowed times. They are prohibited from using DJs and are required to appoint at least two security guards. However, sources indicate that compliance with these rules is low, leading to the ongoing issues.
Moving Forward with Collaborative Efforts
The BMC's plan involves working closely with law enforcement and other agencies to enhance enforcement and ensure that wedding celebrations do not compromise public convenience. This collaborative approach aims to balance the cultural significance of marriages with the need for orderly urban management.
As Bhubaneswar continues to grow, addressing such civic challenges is crucial for maintaining quality of life and ensuring sustainable city infrastructure. The proposed measures reflect a proactive stance by local authorities to listen to citizen feedback and implement practical solutions.
