Dharmapuri Traders Stage Protest Over Bus Stand Relocation
Traders operating at the old bus stand in Dharmapuri took a strong stand on Monday by shutting down their shops and staging a protest. Their primary grievance centered on the recent shifting of all bus services to a newly inaugurated bus stand, a move they claim has severely disrupted their livelihoods and created widespread public inconvenience.
Demand for Restoration of Old Bus Stand Services
The protesting traders have issued a clear and urgent demand: they want bus operations to be restored at the old bus stand as they were before the relocation. They argue that the sudden shift has not only affected their businesses but also caused significant hardship for the general public, students, and other local stakeholders who rely on the old bus stand for daily commuting and commerce.
New Bus Stand on Salem-Krishnagiri National Highway
The new bus stand, situated on the Salem-Krishnagiri National Highway, was officially opened just last week. While intended to modernize transportation infrastructure, its launch has sparked controversy. Traders at the old bus stand report that the complete transfer of all bus services to this new facility has led to a sharp decline in customer footfall, directly impacting their economic survival.
Impact on Livelihood and Public Convenience
The traders emphasized that the relocation has created a dual crisis:
- Economic hardship: With buses no longer stopping at the old stand, traders are experiencing a drastic reduction in sales, threatening their livelihoods.
- Public inconvenience: The shift has made travel more difficult for residents, students, and visitors who were accustomed to the old location, leading to complaints about accessibility and time management.
Petition Submitted to District Collector
In an effort to resolve the issue, the traders formally submitted a petition to District Collector R. Sadheesh. They are seeking his immediate intervention to address their concerns and potentially reverse the decision to move all bus services. The petition outlines the negative consequences of the relocation and urges authorities to consider a compromise that balances modernization with the needs of existing businesses and the community.
The protest highlights ongoing tensions between urban development initiatives and the preservation of local economic ecosystems, underscoring the need for inclusive planning in public infrastructure projects.
