Sir,

This refers to the well-researched article on worsening traffic problem by Prof. Chandra Prakash, former President of Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) in SOM dated Aug. 19 and 20. Besides discussing the factors which are causing traffic problem with lots of statistics, he has suggested a set of solutions.

We, the residents, cannot afford to keep quiet. It is more than 10 days since the publication and nothing has happened to follow up. We  should urge our elected representatives to study the proposed recommendations to solve the traffic problem and implement them. We need to work with MCC, MUDA, Railways, KSRTC, Police and ask them to implement solutions to solve traffic problems not by working in individual silos but as a team.

It is unfortunate that the last Mysore Master Plan instead of dealing with the traffic problem has only worsened it by promoting further construction activities in an unscientific way in Central Business District.

There have been some efforts in the past to find solution to the traffic problems. Traffic studies have been also conducted. A year back, at the initiative of Prof. Chandra Prakash, ATI had conducted a seminar by inviting different stakeholders to discuss the traffic problems of Mysuru. Unfortunately, there has been no follow up by the stakeholders.

Just like the Deputy Commissioner (DC) has taken steps to greening of Mysuru by bringing different stakeholders together, he should form a Mysuru Traffic Commission or Task Force (similar to the Mysore Agenda Task Force of yesteryears) consisting of different stakeholders (MCC, MUDA, KSRTC, Police, Railways, CII, Assocham, NGOs) to implement a plan of action to prevent Mysuru from going the Bengaluru way.

MGP facilitated the formation of greening of Mysuru by working with the DC. Similarly, MGP could take the initiative to work with the DC in the formation of Mysuru Traffic Commission. Before it is too late, we the people should take the traffic problem seriously.

– Bhamy V. Shenoy, Yadavagiri, 31.8.2017

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