Malibu Town residents protest after traffic police closes entry to society

More than 200 residents stopped on Saturday the ongoing construction of the pavement and threatened to stage a protest. The work was postponed till a meeting of the residents and senior officials takes place on Monday.

Tension prevailed in Malibu Town for more than two hours on Saturday after the traffic police closed the society’s entry from Sohna Road and asked Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) officials to construct a pavement there to avoid merging of traffic on the main carriageway.

The traffic police blocked the Malibu Town’s direct access to Sohna Road and asked the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) to construct pavement there. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

Now, residents will have to take a right after the exit and take a U-turn, about 100 metres ahead, to merge with the main Sohna Road. Earlier, residents were able to directly enter Sohna Road.

More than 200 residents stopped on Saturday the ongoing construction of the pavement and threatened to stage a protest. The work was postponed till a meeting of the residents and senior officials takes place on Monday.

The residents alleged that they were shocked to see the sudden change in route and immediately informed the residents’ welfare association members who gathered outside the entrance. The station house officer (SHO) rushed to the spot and tried to convince the residents to disperse, but they were adamant and refused to move.

“If the traffic police blocks the gap in the median,then we will block the busy stretch on Monday and we will not let the work go on. Using the service lane will result in traffic congestion and accidents,” claimed Alka Dalal, former RWA president.

The township is spread across 210 acres and was established in 1999.

“This is the only main entry to the township and if the traffic police wanted to construct a pavement there, it should have informed the RWA and taken its consent. How can they start work and block the main entrance without notice?” said Rakesh Singh, RWA president.

RWA members alleged that the officials should have provided an alternative plan and should have informed the residents.

On the other hand, traffic officials said the main entrance was blocked to decongest the stretch as accidents were common there when the traffic merged with that on the main carriageway.

“We have planned and blocked the main entrance towards the Sohna Road after several inspections to ensure smooth traffic movement and to avoid further accidents,” said DCP (Traffic) Simardeep Singh.