Ajay Sharma
Sunderbani, June 4: Persistent traffic congestion in the main market area of Sunderbani has become a major concern for residents, particularly due to its impact on the movement of ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
Local residents and social activists have alleged that the stretch from the Sub-District Hospital Sunderbani to the Pir Baba area near the Forest Department office remains clogged with vehicles for most of the day, causing inconvenience to commuters and patients alike.
According to locals, ambulances carrying critically ill patients referred from Sub-District Hospital Sunderbani to Jammu and other healthcare facilities often face delays while passing through the congested market area.
“Vehicles can travel the 8-10 kilometre distance between Sunderbani and Bambla in less time than it takes to cross the busy market stretch leading to the main chowk,” claimed local residents, adding that the situation is due to inadequate traffic management and alleged encroachments by shopkeepers.
They claimed that a significant portion of commercial goods is displayed outside shops, reducing the available road space and contributing to traffic bottlenecks.
Locals have also questioned the role of the Municipal Committee in regulating encroachments and maintaining smooth movement of traffic in the market area.
They have urged the authorities to conduct regular inspections and ensure that public spaces are not obstructed.
They further appealed to the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tehsildar Sunderbani, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Traffic Police and Municipal Committee officials to take immediate corrective measures to address the issue and facilitate the unhindered movement of emergency vehicles and the general public.
An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that traffic regulation falls under the jurisdiction of the Traffic Police, while the management of market encroachments is the responsibility of the Municipal Committee.
