Residents of Panchkula are increasingly frustrated with the disarray caused by weekly vegetable mandis in various sectors, which have become a source of inconvenience rather than a community benefit. The chaotic parking of vendor vehicles along main roads consistently leads to traffic congestion, while litter left behind after the markets creates unsightly and unsanitary conditions.
The weekly mandis rotate locations throughout the week: MDC Sector 5 hosts the market every Monday, followed by Sector 15 on Tuesdays, Sector 25 on Wednesdays, Sector 5 again on Thursdays, Sector 20 on Fridays, and finally Sector 14 on Saturdays. However, these markets have become notorious for obstructing traffic and generating significant amounts of waste.
Residents have voiced their concerns, highlighting the reckless parking habits of vendors. “Vehicles are parked haphazardly along both internal and main roads, causing severe traffic chaos,” lamented Rashmi, a local resident. SK Nayar, president of the Citizens’ Welfare Association, pointed out the unchecked use of single-use plastics at the markets, stating, “Vendors distribute plastics as if there were no ban in place. The area is often littered with paper, cardboard boxes, and organic waste, which festers and produces foul odours.”
The issue of waste management and the violation of plastic usage regulations was recently addressed during a meeting led by Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta. He urged local authorities to assign an officer to monitor the mandis and address the growing concerns of residents, stressing the need for immediate action to restore order and cleanliness in the affected areas.
