singh001

Passing VIPs put cops on traffic overdrive

NOIDA: In a city where not a constable is seen during traffic chaos in the nights, 20 autos, eight tempos and about 50 cycle rickshaws were on Sunday night impounded by a combined team of the police, New Okhla Industrial Authority (NOIDA) enforcement officials and regional transport authority officials.

Predictably, the sudden action followed an Uttar Pradesh VIP’s car getting stuck in a traffic jam at the Sector 37 crossing, about 9.30 pm on Sunday.

The local Auto Association, who claimed the motor vehicles were parked on the authorized auto stand, has in retaliation announced that tempos and autos will not ply in Noida, on Tuesday. Further action will be decided at a meeting at the Sector 51, Hoshiarpur crossing, on Tuesday, said, association chief, Naresh Yadav.

Noida district police chief, Navin Arora, was not contactable despite repeated attempts. But, a Noida police traffic official said, "The police had nothing to do with the action. It was NOIDA which decided to run a sudden anti-encroachment drive at the crossing."

He also said that the Sector 37 crossing has an authorized auto stand, he said, "You know how these people come onto the road to get passengers."

On the other hand, a NOIDA official said, "We were merely helping out the police. This was not part of any ongoing program."

Meanwhile, a traffic policeman agreed, "The autos, tempos and rickshaws were taken to the Sector 39 police station, where it took until about 12 midnight to complete the formalities. I learn that the vehicle owners, including the rickshaw pullers, will have to pay at least Rs 2,500 to get their vehicles back. Such a major action, where so many vehicles were impounded, has never been carried out in Noida."

But, many local residents felt that, even if a passing VIP had to trigger the action, at least they may see some discipline for a few days.

"Wish VIPs drive through Noida more often."

But, a rickshaw puller moaned, "How can I pay thousands of rupees to get my rickshaw back?"

TOI, 3rd March, 2009