Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 2: The State High Court today directed the authorities to remove encroachments along roads so that the public does not face any discomfort due to traffic congestions.
The Division Bench of Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey said the life of general public has been made miserable by the street vendors and other business establishments by encroaching upon the pavements and road sides and directed the authorities that anti encroachment drive has to be intensified.
DB directed the police to provide the assistance in this regard to the authorities concerned who are entrusted with the anti encroachment drive. “…therefore, we direct IGP Kashmir to make proper arrangement by providing police assistance from any source other than police stations so as to enable the anti-encroachment squad to remove all the encroachments”, the court directed.
The order was passed after it was brought to the notice of the Court that the anti-encroachment squad was manhandled at Hari Singh High Street. “SHO concerned is directed to file status of the investigation of the case and action taken thereon by or before next date”, court directed.
In compliance to the direction passed earlier, Srinagar Municipal Corporation in its status report submitted that in 2014 it had prepared a list of 2911 street vendors who were found to be conducting business in different parts of Srinagar city on roads/streets.
“In the first instance the Corporation has developed five vending zones at SRTC, Partap Park, Khalisa School near Magarmal Bagh, Section-6, Batamaloo, Sector-5, Batamaloo Bandar Khah and Hazuri Bagh behind Block A & B near Children Park.
SMC further stated that re-location of street vendors to the vending zones created or intended to be created is in process which requires assistance from the district administration as well as Police which will help to make these designated vending zones operational and will also help in removing their encroachments from pavements as well as from road sides.
Court in this connection directed the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir as well as IGP, Kashmir, to provide whatever assistance is required by the Municipal Corporation for shifting these vendors who are running their business on streets and even on roads, to the vending zones. Court directed both the authorities to file their respective compliance report by or before next date.
SMC also informed the Court that it has started laying of foundation at five junctions it has been completed whereas at other two junctions it is in progress. “The Corporation is carrying out earthing and as soon as the process is completed, Traffic signal poles will be erected at these sites. The progress about installation of the Intelligent Traffic Light System will be reported on the next date”, read the report.
In compliance to other direction of the Court, it is stated that 47 spots have been identified for parking which are made operational. Five of the spots have been outsourced to private agencies while as rest are being run departmentally as on date. Court directed the amicus curie to file response as regarding these 47 spots and operation thereof. Court directed the list of 47 spots shall be furnished to amicus.
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