Almora: Residents of Dharanaula locality have submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate of Almora demanding the reopening of the gate installed near Bawan Seedhi. According to local residents, the Nagar Nigam has completely closed the two-wheeler access route during daytime, causing severe inconvenience to the people living in the area.
Residents alleged that despite repeated objections, meetings, and submission of memorandums to the Municipal Commissioner and Mayor, no action has been taken to address their concerns. They stated that the route has been an important access road for years and is widely used by students, elderly people, women, and daily commuters to reach their homes conveniently.
According to the locals, the administration justified the installation of the gate by citing the safety of school children. However, residents argued that several other parts of the city, including Paltan Bazaar, Adams, and Ranidhara, also have schools where hundreds of children commute daily, yet no such restrictions have been imposed there.
People pointed out that the gate near the police station in Paltan Bazaar remains open most of the time and many two-wheelers continue to pass through that route. In such circumstances, imposing restrictions only in Dharanaula has raised questions among the residents regarding fairness and equal implementation of rules.
Locals said the closure of the route has especially affected elderly and sick individuals. In medical emergencies, vehicles and ambulances are unable to reach homes directly. Residents claimed that in cases involving fractures or serious illness, even stretchers cannot be carried easily because of the closed gate.
Apart from emergency services, daily facilities such as online deliveries, courier services, LPG supply, and transportation of household items have also been disrupted. Residents said carrying large items like plywood, beds, cupboards, and furniture to their homes has become extremely difficult after the route closure.
Students and working professionals are also facing difficulties due to the increased travel distance. Residents stated that instead of improving public convenience, the closure has added unnecessary hardship to daily life.
The locals further remarked that while the central and state governments are focusing on expanding road connectivity and improving public infrastructure, blocking an already existing public access road goes against public interest. They emphasized that roads are built to provide convenience to citizens, not to restrict access.
Residents have urged the District Magistrate to intervene in the matter and direct the concerned authorities to reopen the gate at the earliest. They suggested that if child safety is a concern, alternative measures such as speed restrictions, warning signs, or regulated traffic movement could be implemented instead of completely blocking the route.
The residents expressed hope that the administration would take their grievances seriously and provide relief soon. They also warned that if the issue remains unresolved, the people of the locality may be compelled to launch a public protest in the coming days.
