Delhi Traffic Police has warned commuters of traffic disruptions across southern, eastern, north-eastern, western and south-western parts of the capital on Wednesday as Durga Puja idols are taken for immersion. Officials have advised motorists and residents to leave with extra travel time, particularly around temporary immersion ponds and procession routes.
The biggest expected disruption in south Delhi is around Astha Kunj Park in Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, where idols from Durga Puja pandals in Chittaranjan Park are scheduled to be immersed. Traffic movement may be affected from 9 am to 3 pm on the Outer Ring Road, Lal Lajpat Rai Road and Astha Kunj Road.
The advisory covers several locations in east and north-east Delhi, where 11 artificial ponds have been prepared for immersion. At the DDA Ground pond in Shastri Park, traffic may be affected near Shastri Park Chowk and Pushta Road as devotees and vehicles move towards the site.
Traffic pressure is also expected around the MTNL Ground pond in Yamuna Vihar. The surrounding roads, including Wazirabad Road, Bhajanpura Chowk and connecting roads in Yamuna Vihar, may see slower movement during the immersion activity.
In the north-east, the pond at Deer Park in Dilshad Garden and the facility at Tahirpur Sports Complex may affect traffic on the GT Road and on routes connecting Dilshad Garden with Tahirpur. The advisory also identifies Karawal Nagar Road and connecting roads in Shiv Vihar as possible congestion points because of immersion at the civic ground pond there.
The traffic impact is expected to result from the movement of devotees, immersion processions and vehicles near the designated sites. The report said idols would first be taken around local areas with music and processions before the final immersion. Religious ceremonies, including sindoor khela, are scheduled as part of the conclusion of the Durga Puja celebrations.
The use of artificial ponds near the pandals is intended to support immersion within designated locations and convey an environmental conservation message, according to the report. Such temporary facilities are being used in several parts of the city instead of directing every procession towards the Yamuna or other distant water bodies.
Large gatherings were reported at puja pandals in Chittaranjan Park, Aram Bagh, Minto Road and Mandir Marg on Tuesday, when committees held rituals, cultural programmes and competitions. The expected increase in movement around the pandals and immersion sites is the primary reason for the traffic warning.
Delhi Traffic Police has asked people travelling through the affected areas during the immersion period to plan their journeys in advance and allow additional time. The identified roads and timings remain the main points for commuters to check before beginning their trips on Wednesday.
