Telangana, Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Traffic Police conducted a special drive against encroachments on footpaths and carriageways along the Tolichowki main road. The operation, named ROPE (Removal of Obstructive Parking and Encroachments), was personally led by Sri. C.V. Anand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad. The drive involved the use of manpower, cranes, proclains, and LMVs to clear encroachments.
In accordance with the instructions of the Commissioner, the Traffic Police also initiated a special operation targeting the unauthorized use of sirens in four-wheelers. These sirens pose significant risks to road safety, causing public confusion, panic, traffic disruptions, and accidents. Over the past month, the Traffic Police seized 1,015 sirens and 525 multi-tone horns.
Today, the Commissioner of Police ordered the destruction of the seized sirens and horns, which were crushed under a road roller along the Tolichowki road.
The Commissioner emphasized that the ROPE initiative would continue across the Commissionerate to eliminate encroachments, clear footpaths, and recover road width to ease traffic congestion. Speaking to the media, he highlighted the importance of sustained efforts, stating, “Unless footpaths are cleared and carriageways are free of obstructions, traffic congestion will persist.”
The Commissioner further noted that many roadside vendors are not economically disadvantaged but rather come from other states and encroach on public spaces by paying hefty sums to local mafias. Shockingly, some shopkeepers lease space in front of their stores for a considerable fee. Addressing the broader traffic issues, he urged cooperation from citizens, politicians, and officials across various departments.
He acknowledged the absence of the local MLA at the event, stating, “We invited the local MLA, but for some reason, he could not attend.” Despite this, the Commissioner underscored the need for continued efforts to address encroachments.
Hyderabad faces immense traffic pressure, with approximately 88 lakh vehicles on its roads daily under three Commissionerates. To manage this high volume, cooperation from citizens, politicians, and various organizations is essential. Educating auto drivers about proper parking practices is also crucial.
Additionally, the Chief Minister of Telangana has denied the use of a green channel for his convoy and mandated that only police patrolling vehicles may use sirens.
The event was attended by senior officers, including P. Vishwa Prasad, IPS (Addl. CP Traffic), Venkateswarlu, IPS (DCP Traffic), V. Chandra Mohan (ACP Traffic), Dhana Laxmi (ACP Traffic), and other police personnel.
Our Citizen Reporter – Telangana
Mr. Bharath Reddy
