No parking lot, cars kept along roads choke traffic near Ghaziabad RTO

GHAZIABAD: Encroachment on footpaths and green belts near the regional transport office (RTO) has worsened traffic congestion and created civic problems for commuters and residents in the area.In a letter to the district magistrate and municipal commissioner, residents flagged the deteriorating conditions, saying the absence of designated parking for RTO applicants forces many vehicles onto the roadside, adding to the chaos.“Encroachment and haphazard parking create persistent congestion in the area,” said Rakesh Aggarwal, a resident of Vasundhara.Harvinder Singh from Indirapuram raised similar issues and said that encroachment not only obstructs free movement for pedestrians but also leads to significant damage to the green belts.Singh also raised concerns about mobile photocopying shops near the RTO office. He said these shops allegedly charge visitors excessively high fees, who have few alternatives due to the lack of nearby market facilities.Residents have urged authorities to take immediate action. “We need an organised parking facility for visitors and a clearing of the encroachments,” said Sunil Vaidya, who has written to the DM and municipal commissioner on the matter.The letter included photographs documenting the current state of the area and a request for an official inspection. “We hope for a swift response to restore order and accessibility around the RTO office and urge the authorities to prioritise the issue in the interest of public welfare,” said Vaidya.A response from the officials is awaited on the matter.