Khaao, piyo... Traffic jam karo!

PUNE: Encroachment by food vendors and hawkers on the Gajanan Maharaj temple to Sarang society stretch of Golwalkar Guruji road in the Sahakarnagar area is posing a hazard to motorists and pedestrians alike.
The vendors peddle their wares on the road, causing traffic hindrances, especially during rush hours. The vehicles parked on the streets by customers add to the mess.
"The vendors pose a hindrance to traffic and it''s difficult to drive down or park on the road during rush hours, said Sachin Soman, a local shopkeeper.He said that the situation was particularly aggravated when two city buses came face-to-face on the road.
Mayur Palkar, another resident, said that rickshaws parked on the road add to the problem. R.M. Bhole, who stays in the area, noted that the food carts and vendors had eaten into much of the carriageway and encroached upon the footpath. Due to this, vehicles are forced to slow down on the stretch.
"The Pune municipal corporation (PMC) must intervene and act fast, before there is a major accident here, he said and suggested that the hawkers be relocated elsewhere and facilities be given to them to carry on their business, on the lines of the greengrocers in the Shiv Darshan area located nearby.
"The authorities are quick to lift vehicles parked in the ''no parking'' areas on the streets. Then why are they turning a blind eye to this massive encroachment, he asked.
Though the food vendors agree that their operations pose a hazards to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, they are helpless as it is their only source of livelihood. "What can we do, it is the question of our livelihood. There are no jobs available for us; what do we eat if we shut down business? said Lakshi Kale, who runs a fruit juice and neera shop near the Gajanan Maharaj math.
Raghunath Phate, ward officer, said the PMC was taking measures, like removing encroachments and fining vendors. "However, the vendors keep returning.