The Berma Bitter Gourd Market, located on National Highway (NH-34) about 15 kilometers from Maihar, Maihar district, has become a topic of discussion these days due to chaos and traffic disruptions. Locals and passersby allege that the market area's business activities have spilled directly onto the highway, causing long traffic jams daily, causing significant inconvenience to drivers and passengers.

It is reported that during the bitter gourd season, a large number of traders and freight vehicles park on the side of the highway instead of the market premises to conduct their shopping and selling. This blocks a large stretch of the national highway and disrupts traffic. Long queues of vehicles often form on both sides, even affecting emergency services vehicles.

Increasing Risk of Accidents

Local residents say that trucks, pickup trucks, and other cargo vehicles suddenly stopping on the highway pose a constant threat of accidents. Drivers traveling at high speeds are often faced with traffic jams or parked vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents. Expressing concern over this dire situation, residents have questioned who will be held responsible if a major accident occurs in the future.

Questions have also been raised about the behavior of traders

Some local residents have alleged that some traders in the market area create disturbances on the highway while under the influence of alcohol, further disrupting traffic. However, these allegations have not been independently verified. If so, the relevant administration and police must investigate and take necessary action.

Demand for Strict Action from the Administration

Residents and drivers who regularly travel this route have demanded that the district administration, police department, and National Highway Authority immediately remove encroachments on the highway, ensure proper management of the Karela Mandi, and find a permanent solution to maintain safe and smooth traffic.

Local residents demand separate parking and loading-unloading facilities for the market, ensuring traffic on the national highway is not disrupted and the likelihood of accidents is reduced.

Need for Administrative Intervention

Traffic safety should be a top priority on a busy road like the national highway. If road encroachment, unorganized commercial activities, or other factors are causing traffic jams and accidents, it would be important for the concerned departments to inspect the site and take necessary action in the public interest.