Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 11: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking regulation of traffic in Jammu, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice B S Walia today issued several directions to different authorities of the State Govern-ment.
After hearing Senior Advocate DC Raina, Advocates Abhinav Sharma, Manu Khajuria and AS Khera appearing for the PIL whereas Advocate General Jehangir Iqbal Ganani with Senior AAG S S Nanda and Govt Advocate Mehvish Shah appearing for the State, the DB observed, “in compliance of earlier order Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, Inspector General (Traffic) and Regional Transport Officer are present. The status report has also been filed in pursuance of the earlier order”.
“The Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioners has submitted that the respondents be directed to indicate the time limit within which the measures undertaken by them for eradication of traffic menace and pollution in the city of Jammu shall be implemented effectively”, the DB said, adding “it has also been submitted that the respondents should also indicate a time frame within which the effective regulatory measures shall be taken to ensure that the vehicles are plied in accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Rules and the action for removal of encroachments will be taken in a time bound manner in the city of Jammu”.
On this, the Divisional Commissioner submitted that he shall be granted one month’s time to hold a meeting of the High Power Committee and to apprise this court with regard to time schedule within which measures with regard to regulating the traffic and pollution in the city of Jammu shall be taken.
After considering the submissions of both the sides, the DB observed, “in order to effectively implement the measures to regulate the traffic and for removal of encroachments as well as to control the pollution, we deem it appropriate to direct the inclusion of Transport Commissioner as well as Chairman of Pollution Control Board in the High Power Committee”, adding “the High Power Committee shall hold its meeting within a period of one month and submit the report with regard to the time schedule within which measures shall be taken to regulate the traffic, pollution in the city of Jammu, removal of encroachments and to ensure adherence to the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988”.
DB also directed that IG Traffic shall ensure that the buses/matadors are parked at the designated parking places and are stopped on the roads only at the designated stops. He shall ensure that the buses/ matadors are not overloaded and no passenger hangs outside the vehicles so as to avoid accidents.
DB also directed IG Traffic to take preventive measures to stop the use of pressure horns which are not permissible under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Municipal Corporation was directed to take steps with regard to the encroachments.
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