Residents demand stricter traffic control on Mall Road

Mussoorie: Following a senior citizen being hit by a two-wheeler on Mall Road on Thursday, residents strongly opposed the administration's failure to control traffic on the route from 5pm to 10pm, when vehicle movement is prohibited. Satish C Aikant, 76, was out for a walk when the accident occurred. He was hospitalised and is set to undergo surgery.
Retired professor, author, and columnist Aikant said the no-traffic rule must be strictly enforced. "Existing laws must be implemented by the police and the Mussoorie municipal council, and CCTV cameras should be installed at key locations across town," he said.
The incident has raised concerns among residents, who have questioned the unchecked movement of vehicles—two-wheelers in particular—that pose a risk to pedestrians. "The real culprits are the hundreds of two-wheelers that ply the Mall at all hours. Many speed recklessly, often driven by underage youth," said a resident, Nidhi Bahuguna.
In recent years, several residents — mostly senior citizens — have been hit by two-wheelers, many of which go unreported. "Several people have been injured, and many have had to undergo surgeries," added a resident, Shalabh Garg.
Mussoorie SHO Arvind Chaudhary said the perpetrator in this hit-and-run case had been identified and would be apprehended soon. Regarding traffic violations on Mall road, he said that police have been regularly issuing challans for two- and four-wheelers. "We have taken action against rash, underage, and drunk driving. Over the past few months, 20 vehicles have been seized," he said.