Chandigarh Police have issued a traffic advisory for motorists on the occasion of Dussehra on Thursday. Certain routes have been closed to the public on the festival occasion. "In view of the anticipated heavy traffic during the Dussehra Festival at various places in Chandigarh, the general public is requested to follow the guidelines for parking and traffic management," it stated. For Parade Ground, Sector 17, the authorised parking lots are - Parking area of Sector 22-A Market - Parking area of Sector 22-B Market, Parking of Football Ground, Sector 17 - Rear and front sides of Neelam Cinema, Sector 17 - Parking area adjoining the local bus stand, Sector 17. Residents have been informed that to manage the crowd, traffic approaching ISBT Sector 17 Chowk via 17/18 Light Point, Aroma Light Point, Sector 18/19/20/21 Chowk, and Cricket Stadium Chowk will be diverted for one hour from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm. During this period, only buses will be allowed on this stretch. Dussehra Ground, Sector 46 The authorised parking lots in this area shall be Market Parking, Sector 46; parking adjoining Booth Market, Sector 46D. The road from Sector 45/46 Light Point towards Sector 46 will be closed to the public from 5.30 pm to 7 pm to de-congest the area during dispersal. Gurdwara, Sector 34 The authorised parking lots for celebrations opposite the gurdwara in Sector 34 will be Sabzi Mandi Ground and Shyam Mall Parking, Library Building Parking, Complex Parking, and Open Ground near Sector 33D Market. The road from Sector 34/35 Light Point towards Sector 33/34 Light Point, Sector 34, will be closed from 5.30 pm to 7 pm during dispersal. Residents have also been advised to try to walk to nearby markets, nearby destinations, etc., instead of using a vehicle; carpooling may be considered, the police said. "Please ensure vehicles are efficiently parked in the designated parking lots, not consuming more space than necessary. People are advised not to park their vehicles in 'No Parking' Zones/Roads; otherwise, such vehicles shall be towed away/clamped," the Chandigarh Police said. The people are advised not to park or ply their vehicles on the cycle track or pedestrian pathway. Motorists have been asked to contact the traffic helpline number 1073 in case their vehicle is towed away or clamped. "Please remain patient in case of congestion and do not honk unnecessarily. The public is requested to use alternate routes. Chandigarh Traffic Police are working to minimise traffic congestion during the festive season," a statement by the traffic police said.
