Salem's Hasthampatti Farmers Market Grapples with Severe Traffic Gridlock
Traffic congestion has become a persistent and troubling issue outside the Hasthampatti uzhavar sandhai, or farmers market, in Salem. The situation arises as visitors to the market and other commuters are compelled to park their vehicles directly on Kannankurichi Road. This parking dilemma occurs because the roadsides are extensively occupied by unauthorized vendors, leaving minimal space for proper vehicle parking.
Vendor Encroachment and Its Impact on Market Operations
Within the official uzhavar sandhai, approximately 50 farmers are engaged in selling their agricultural produce. However, the area surrounding the market presents a stark contrast, with more than 100 vendors setting up stalls on the roadsides to sell vegetables. This significant presence of outside vendors directly contravenes established regulations.
Social activist Poomozhi highlighted that according to a state government notification, outsiders should be prohibited from selling agricultural produce within a 100-metre radius of an uzhavar sandhai. "But this order was not implemented by the officials concerned," he stated, pointing to a clear lapse in enforcement that exacerbates the congestion problem.
Farmers' Business Suffers Amidst Chaotic Conditions
The farmers operating inside the sanctioned market report that their businesses have been severely impacted by the proliferation of roadside vendors. The competition from these unauthorized sellers, combined with the traffic chaos, discourages customers and reduces footfall within the official market premises.
S Deena, a resident of Hasthampatti, provided insights into the daily traffic patterns. He noted that the market experiences a large influx of people between 6 am and 10 am. "As shops occupied the space outside the market, the public parked their vehicles on the roads, reducing the motorable area in the road," he explained.
Peak Hour Traffic Nightmare and Safety Concerns
The traffic congestion reaches critical levels between 8 am and 9:30 am, a period coinciding with the movement of more than 100 school and college buses along the same route. This convergence of market visitors, commuters, and student transport creates a hazardous and slow-moving traffic scenario.
Deena emphasized a potential solution, stating, "If the encroachers are removed, the public will be able to park their vehicles on the roadside. It will provide space for free flow of traffic. The police and departments concerned should ensure this." His comments underscore the urgent need for coordinated action to clear encroachments and restore order.
Authorities Respond to Growing Concerns
When contacted by media representatives, the Salem city police acknowledged the issue and indicated that they would take necessary action to address the traffic congestion and vendor encroachments. This response suggests that official intervention may be forthcoming to mitigate the persistent problems faced by farmers, residents, and daily commuters in the area.
The ongoing situation at Hasthampatti uzhavar sandhai highlights a broader challenge of balancing informal vending with urban traffic management and supporting legitimate farmers' markets. Effective implementation of existing regulations and proactive measures by local authorities are crucial to resolving the congestion and ensuring the market's smooth operation.
