Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 19: In a land mark judgment to decongest Srinagar city, the State High Court today directed for permanent removal of encroachments on roads and footpaths for smooth movement of traffic.
The Division Bench of Justice MH Attar and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey today, for smooth plying of traffic in Srinagar city, directed the State Government to treat the suggestion filed by Commissioner Transport and Inspector General of Police Traffic as court directions.
The two officials filed their status report before the court, and after review of these suggestions, the HC directed the Government that these suggestions shall be deemed to be part of the court order. “The respondent State and its authorities are directed to implement all these suggestions and report compliance by next date of hearing”, directed the Court.
These officials suggested the process of shifting of General Bus Stand from Batamaloo need to be expedited. “Encroachment on the roads, as well as on the footpaths, in Srinagar City need to be permanently removed”, the suggestions read.
“The renewal policy of huge number of Sumos and other Maxi Cabs which have been issued all J&K route permits need to be revisited and point to point routes be fixed for those for better regulation of these vehicles”, reads the status report.
“Additional stands need to be identified for better regulation of movement of Matadors/Mini Buses in Srinagar City. Additional bus stops/ bays need to be identified at different places in Srinagar City to put an end to the practice of pick and drop of passengers from any point in the City”, read suggestions.
The report suggested for functioning of existing non-functional traffic lights besides additional traffic lights, wherever required. “The road dividers of sufficient length need to be erected at all the intersections/crossings (with or without traffic lights) so as to enforce one-way traffic movement at the crossings/intersections. Also Zebra crossing/yellow lines need to be marked on all the Intel sections/crossings having traffic lights”, said one of the suggestions.
The suggestion for additional parking slots and places need to be identified for parking of private cars and two-wheelers particularly in the commercial areas has also been placed before the court.
The report said that the heavy (52 seater) school buses cause traffic jams and obstruction normal traffic in the city during peak hours and suggested plan for using medium size (maximum 30 seater) buses.
The report has also suggested enhancement of fine for defaulters and violators of traffic rules so that it can act as a deterrent for offenders.
It has also been placed before the court that Traffic and Motor Vehicle Department need to be re-organized and adequate manpower as required to be provided to the traffic police for traffic management in the Srinagar City. “Traffic booth need to be constructed at Crossings/intersections where the Traffic Policemen on duty can temporarily take shelter during rains/snow and long hours of standing duty”, suggestion reads.
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