New Delhi   

Maintain status quo at IITF venue: study

P. Anima

"Trade fair creates traffic snarls, pushes up pollution levels"

NEW DELHI: The India International Trade Fair may be a significant event on the Capital's commercial calendar, but it chokes the roads and sends pollution levels spiralling in the city, according to a new study by the Central Road Research Institute.

The study, done at the request of the Delhi Development Authority, revealed that all roads leading to and around the IITF venue -- Pragati Maidan -- remain acutely congested during the fair.

"Traffic volume, especially on Mathura Road and Zakir Husain Road, during the fair is about 150 per cent more than the capacity," says S. Gangopadhyay, CRRI Head of Traffic and Transportation Planning Wing.

During traffic congestion at the annual IITF held between November 14 and 27, the journey speed is reduced to 8-13 km/hour, the study points out. "It is not merely traffic snarls, but pollution levels also shoot up during the fair,'' it adds.

"The pollution levels record a rise between 14 to 37 per cent at the time of IITF," says Dr. Gangopadhyay.

The study also warns against any further constructions in the Pragati Maidan complex. "Status quo should be maintained at the IITF venue. The proposed convention centre at the complex supposed to hold 10,000 people will result in the pollution load going up by another 7 to 16 per cent," warns Dr. Gangopadhyay. The proposed multi-level parking meant to accommodate over 9,000 vehicles will further intensify congestion as well as pollution levels, the study adds.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

"Delhi consumers pay less for electricity"
Two-pronged approach for real estate development in Delhi
`Being penalised for protesting against JNU administration'
High Court rules in favour of love marriage
Three nabbed for murder of beauty parlour owner
Need for public-private initiative to achieve cent per cent literacy
Maintain status quo at IITF venue: study
Judge refuses to pronounce judgment
Residents urged to select their candidates for Municipal Corporation elections
CBI probe into S-I case sought
Probe ordered
Up in arms
Protest rally
Uttar Pradesh based module involved?
JNU staff leaders suspended
Tributes paid
UPA has failed to check terrorism, prices: BJP
Around the City
Briefly
In the Capital Today
Inherent flaws in the system come to fore

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu