Tezpur Administration Takes Action to Tackle Civic Issues and E-Rickshaw Regulation
Addressing Civic Concerns in Tezpur
A review meeting was held on May 2 at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
TEZPUR, May 4: In response to numerous reports detailing persistent civic challenges and the unregulated operation of e-rickshaws in Tezpur, the district administration has decided to implement significant measures to rectify these issues.
Over the past few years, the unregulated flow of e-rickshaws has led to disorder in Tezpur. This concern has been consistently reported in various media outlets. Additionally, the rise of fast-food vendors and other stalls occupying footpaths—from Porwa Chariali to Court Chariali—along with the encroachment of major roads for parking, has become a source of frustration for both residents and visitors. Many outsiders leave with a negative perception due to the apparent lack of civic order.
Residents have voiced their worries that Tezpur, once celebrated for its scenic beauty, has diminished in charm due to haphazard developments and what they perceive as negligence from certain officials. There are also allegations that some e-rickshaw drivers, suspected to be illegal migrants, are engaging in illicit activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling, exploiting weaknesses within parts of the police force.
In light of increasing pressure from community organizations like the Tezpur Senior Citizens’ Forum and ongoing media scrutiny, a review meeting took place on May 2 at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Attendees included District Development Commissioner Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, Additional Superintendent of Police Manjeet Kumar, the Circle Officer of Tezpur Revenue Circle, officials from the Tezpur Municipal Board, Transport Department, PWD (Roads), civil society representatives, journalists, and e-rickshaw dealers and associations. The meeting focused on several crucial initiatives.
Decisions made included establishing designated parking areas for two-wheelers and four-wheelers with adjusted parking fees to improve traffic flow; clearing encroachments from footpaths and public areas; and regulating unauthorized food stalls by creating specific vending zones.
The meeting also addressed the need for enhanced enforcement through the acquisition of wheel lockers and additional vehicles. It proposed regulating e-rickshaw operations within the municipal limits by confining them to designated areas, requiring registration with the Tezpur Municipal Board, and issuing identifiable stickers.
Authorities emphasized the importance of strict monitoring against overloading passengers and goods. They stated that severe penalties would be enforced against e-rickshaws operating without proper registration or licenses, as well as for any breaches of established regulations.
The meeting highlighted the necessity for coordinated efforts among all departments and instructed relevant authorities to ensure timely implementation of these resolutions. It also called for collaborative actions to improve urban mobility, enhance public convenience, and promote orderly development in Tezpur.