Kalyan citizens worship defunct traffic signals

Activists in Kalyan found a unique way to protest against inefficient traffic control signal systems installed at 11 prominent streets in Kalyan 10 years ago. Sankalp Pratisthan, a local social organisation, gathered in front of the signals and started praying.

Activists in Kalyan found a unique way to protest against inefficient traffic control signal systems installed at 11 prominent streets in Kalyan 10 years ago. Sankalp Pratisthan, a local social organisation, gathered in front of the signals and started praying.

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The signals that cost around 40 lakh were set up by the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation and the Traffic Department and allegedly did not work even for a week after installation.

Sachin Arjun Kadam, President, Sankalp Pratisthan said: "In the last ten years more than 200 incidents have taken place on the streets. Five to six times people took to the streets after the accident and blocked traffic for hours."

"We do not believe in violent protests. We thought that since the signals do not control traffic, they were installed for worship. So we gathered at all the signals, garlanded it and worshipped it. If the department has still not taken cognisance of our protest, we will repeat the act at the KDMC head quarter and traffic office," he added.

ACP S.T. Juikar, Traffic Department, Kalyan said: "We have written to the KDMC more than 10 times and requested them to repaired it or replace it. But nothing has been done by the corporation."

Hindustan Times tried to contact KDMC Commissioner but the commissioner’s cellphone was not reachable.