Local Issue/Problem

Select your issue keeping the following in mind:

- It is a local issue.
- It is possible for us to solve it.
- The success of the action can be measured.

Why did you choose this as a group?

Is there evidence to support that this is a problem?

● Why It’s a Local Issue:

Traffic congestion is a daily problem in Faridabad, particularly at key choke points like
Neelam Flyover, Badkhal Chowk, and Masjid Chowk. These areas face gridlocks during
peak hours due to poor infrastructure, unregulated vehicle growth, and waterlogging
during rains. The problem disrupts the lives of residents, delays work commutes, and
leads to increased air pollution
Water Digest, The Tribune

● Why We Chose This Issue:

Our group chose traffic congestion because:
○ It directly affects the quality of life for students, workers, and residents. ○ It's
possible to address it with community-driven actions and technology-based
solutions, such as better route planning or awareness campaigns.
○ Traffic congestion ties into larger concerns like pollution and economic
productivity, allowing us to create a meaningful impact.

Evidence to Support That This Is a Problem

1. Traffic Choke Points:

○ Reports identify over 20 major congestion points in Faridabad, with Neelam
Flyover and Hardware Chowk being the worst-affected. Poor traffic management
and road conditions exacerbate the issue
The Tribune
.
2. Economic and Health Costs:
○ Commuters spend excessive time in traffic, leading to wasted fuel and increased
stress. Air pollution from idling vehicles contributes to respiratory problems in
residents
Water Digest
.
3. Community Sentiment:
○ Surveys and complaints from residents highlight frustration over long travel times
 and lack of alternatives like reliable public transportation
The Tribune
.
4. Visual Evidence:
○ Regular traffic jams during peak hours and flooding at underpasses during
monsoons are visible problems. Even a car accident caused by waterlogging
highlights the severity of the situation
The Tribune
.

How Success Can Be Measured

● Reduction in reported delays or congestion times (via surveys or mobile tracking tools).
● Feedback from residents and authorities on ease of commutes.
● Participation in proposed solutions like route-sharing apps or awareness drives.

THE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES WE WILL TRY TO CONSIDER

1. Government Perspective(Ammu)

From the government's perspective, traffic congestion in Faridabad is a significant urban

management challenge. The local authorities are concerned with addressing the underlying
causes of congestion such as inadequate infrastructure, poorly regulated traffic flow, and
unplanned urban development. Government initiatives are focused on improving road networks,
enhancing public transportation options, and upgrading traffic management systems. However,
challenges remain in implementation due to resource constraints and coordination between
various departments. The success of any policy would depend on factors like budget allocation,
political will, and public cooperation. According to sources like the Tribune and government
reports, addressing infrastructure gaps, improving drainage systems, and better traffic control
are critical priorities to mitigate congestion

The Tribune
.

2. Environmental Perspective(Sai)

From an environmental standpoint, traffic congestion exacerbates air pollution and contributes
to climate change. The continuous idling of vehicles leads to high emissions of carbon dioxide,
nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which degrade air quality and affect public health. In
Faridabad, the presence of heavy industrial activity combined with poor traffic management has
intensified environmental concerns. Studies show that the health impacts of air pollution,
including respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases, are significant in highly congested
urban areas. Solutions from an environmental perspective might include promoting electric
vehicles, improving public transportation to reduce car usage, and increasing green spaces to
combat pollution. Experts from environmental organizations have stressed the need for cities to
adopt greener transport alternatives to curb these harmful effects

Water Digest

The Tribune
.

3. Economic Perspective(Ammu)

From an economic perspective, traffic congestion in Faridabad incurs significant costs.

Commuters waste time and money stuck in traffic, leading to lost productivity and higher
operational costs for businesses, especially those dependent on logistics and transportation.
The economic strain extends to higher fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance costs, and delays
in the delivery of goods. Studies show that cities experiencing severe traffic jams can see a
reduction in economic output due to these inefficiencies. Moreover, the effects on small
businesses, where workers are delayed or unable to reach customers on time, can stifle local
economic growth. Thus, addressing traffic congestion is seen not only as an infrastructural issue
but also a critical economic concern, with potential benefits including improved business
performance and reduced public spending on healthcare related to pollution

Water Digest
.

4. Social Perspective(Myra)

The social perspective on traffic congestion highlights the everyday inconveniences faced by
individuals, particularly the working class, students, and elderly citizens. Long commute times
increase stress and fatigue, reducing the quality of life and hindering access to essential
services. For example, students who have to travel long distances face difficulties reaching
schools on time, and elderly individuals may find it hard to navigate through congested roads.
Traffic congestion can also exacerbate social isolation, especially in underserved areas with
poor public transport options. Communities often voice their frustrations about long travel times
and limited mobility. Addressing this issue involves ensuring equitable access to transportation
options, promoting carpooling, and enhancing public transport to accommodate diverse social
needs

Water Digest
The Tribune
.
5. Technological Perspective(Myra)

The technological perspective on traffic congestion focuses on leveraging smart city

technologies to optimize traffic management and improve the flow of vehicles. Solutions like
real-time traffic monitoring, smart traffic lights, and GPS navigation apps (e.g., Google Maps)
can provide immediate relief by offering alternate routes, predicting traffic patterns, and
improving overall road efficiency. Technological innovations, such as the implementation of
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), could help mitigate congestion by enabling better traffic
flow, reducing accidents, and lowering travel time. Additionally, mobile apps promoting
carpooling or ride-sharing, along with incentives for using public transport, can help reduce the
number of vehicles on the road. Technology plays a pivotal role in making transportation
systems more efficient and sustainable

Water Digest
.

6. Community/Individual Perspective(Sai)

From the community and individual perspective, traffic congestion is often seen as a collective
challenge that can be alleviated through changes in behavior and community-driven initiatives.
Local residents and commuters have expressed concerns over the lack of public transport
options and the over-reliance on private cars. Community involvement in promoting solutions
like carpooling, cycling, and walking can reduce road congestion. Awareness campaigns can
also educate the public on the environmental and economic benefits of reducing car usage. At
the individual level, changing commuting habits—such as avoiding peak hours, using public
transport, or adopting flexible working hours—can contribute to mitigating congestion.
Community-driven solutions, combined with government and technological measures, have the
potential to create lasting change

Water Digest
.
1. Government Perspective

● Research Method:
○ Interviews with Local Authorities: Conduct interviews or meetings with
municipal representatives, traffic police, or local government officials involved in
urban planning. This will help you understand the policies and initiatives already
in place and the challenges faced in implementation.
○ Online Research: Look for government reports, budget documents, and urban
development plans related to traffic management in Faridabad. Websites like the
Faridabad Municipal Corporation (FMC) and Haryana Urban Development
 Authority (HUDA) can provide valuable insights.
○ Survey Question Example:
■ “What measures has the local government taken to reduce traffic
congestion in Faridabad?”
■ “What is the local government's plan for improving public transport to
alleviate congestion?”
● Sources:
○ Faridabad Municipal Corporation (FMC) official reports.
○ Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) documents on city planning. ○
Government articles like those in The Tribune and Hindustan Times discussing
urban planning in Faridabad
Water Digest

The Tribune
.

2. Environmental Perspective

● Research Method:
○ Secondary Research: Study environmental reports or articles discussing the
effects of traffic congestion on air quality and public health in Faridabad. Look for
data on pollution levels, carbon emissions, and studies linking traffic to health
problems.
○ Interviews with Environmentalists: Speak to local environmental organizations
or experts on the specific impact of traffic congestion in Faridabad and possible
eco-friendly solutions.
○ Survey Question Example:
■ “How do you think reducing traffic congestion can improve air quality in
Faridabad?”
■ “What are the health effects of traffic-related air pollution in Faridabad?”
● Sources:
○ The Tribune, Times of India for reports on air pollution in Faridabad.
○ Environmental agencies’ reports on pollution and climate impacts.
○ Local health studies showing the impact of congestion on respiratory diseases
Water Digest
.

3. Economic Perspective

● Research Method:
○ Surveys of Local Businesses: Survey local businesses to understand how
traffic congestion affects their daily operations. Ask about delays, employee
commute time, and operational costs.
○ Economic Studies & Reports: Research existing studies or articles on the
 economic costs of traffic congestion in India. Look for reports from economic
think tanks or studies published in local newspapers.
○ Survey Question Example:
■ “How does traffic congestion affect your business operations or employee
productivity?”
■ “What are the financial costs you face due to traffic congestion in
Faridabad?”
● Sources:
○ Reports from local business associations.
○ Articles on the economic impact of congestion from The Economic Times or
Business Standard.
○ Studies on the economic costs of traffic congestion in urban India
Water Digest
.

4. Social Perspective

● Research Method:
○ Surveys of Residents: Create a survey for residents to understand how traffic
affects their daily lives. Ask about commute times, health impacts, and general
frustrations.
○ Interviews with Commuters: Interview a variety of people (students, workers,
elderly citizens) to get a sense of how traffic congestion affects different
demographic groups.
○ Survey Question Example:
■ “How long does your daily commute take due to traffic congestion in
Faridabad?”
■ “How does traffic congestion impact your physical or mental well-being?”
● Sources:
○ Local news outlets like The Tribune or Hindustan Times for articles on
traffic-related social issues.
○ Public forums or online groups discussing traffic issues in Faridabad (Facebook
groups, Reddit, etc.).
5. Technological Perspective

● Research Method:
○ Review of Smart Traffic Systems: Research existing or proposed technological
solutions in Faridabad, such as traffic management systems, GPS-based apps
for traffic updates, and smart signaling.
○ Interviews with Tech Experts or App Developers: Speak to local developers or
companies offering smart traffic solutions. Look for technological interventions
that could improve traffic flow.
○ Survey Question Example:
 ■ “Would you use an app that provides real-time traffic updates or suggests
alternate routes to avoid congestion?”
■ “What type of technological solutions do you think could improve traffic
management in Faridabad?”
● Sources:
○ Articles on smart city technology and ITS systems in Faridabad (e.g., from
TechCrunch or YourStory).
○ Local startups or developers working on transportation technology solutions.

6. Community/Individual Perspective

● Research Method:
○ Community Feedback: Conduct informal interviews with residents, either
face-to-face or via social media, to get personal perspectives on how traffic
congestion affects them.
○ Online Surveys: Use Google Forms or similar platforms to conduct a survey in
which participants can share their commuting habits, their frustration with
congestion, and ideas for solutions.
○ Survey Question Example:
■ “How often do you face traffic congestion in your daily commute?”
■ “What measures would encourage you to use public transport or
carpool?”
● Sources:
○ Facebook groups or local community forums where residents discuss traffic
problems.
○ Public opinion surveys or petitions related to traffic problems in Faridabad.
Beginning the Research

1. Compile Data: After gathering your primary and secondary research, organize your
findings according to the different perspectives.
2. Analyze Findings: Look for patterns or common themes that emerge across different
groups’ opinions (e.g., local residents may point out issues with public transport, while
businesses may highlight economic costs).
3. Collaborate: Discuss your findings as a team and decide on the best actionable
solutions that can address the problem from multiple angles.​
​
​
RESEARCH QUESTIONS (At a broader level)
0. Is this a problem? To what extent is it one?
1.​ What are the causes?
2.​ What is the consequence on the stakeholder?
3.​ What is the possible solution?
4.​