Srinagar, Aug 13: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday asked the authorities to explore possibility of audit of traffic in the city and address its ever-increasing vehicular chaos.
A division bench comprising newly appointed Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Alok Aradhe asked the authorities to explore the possibility of audit of traffic in Srinagar and place the report before the court on next date of hearing on September 04, 2018.
The court also sought expert assistance to tackle the traffic disorder in the city and other towns of Kashmir Valley.
“Given the fact that a very important issue relating to traffic and its circulation in Srinagar and other areas has been raised in the PIL, it would be appropriate for this court to have assistance of a traffic expert,” it said.
“The respondents shall ascertain the availability of a local expert who would be able to shed light on the issues which are raised in the petition,” the court said.
“Given the number of orders requiring the respondents to take action, we are of the view that before further steps are taken, a compilation of the effective directions which are passed as well as tabulation of the effective orders against the action taken reports, deserves to be prepared and placed before the bench”, said the court.
The High Court in its last direction had asked the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to call a meeting with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Traffic, Commissioner SMC, Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic and chalk out a strategy for addressing the issues of citizens of Srinagar and report the court about the outcome of the meeting.
The officials were directed to start a drive against encroachment of roads and ensure removal of street vendors.
It had also directed for upgradation of facilities including passenger shelter sheds, multiple gates and separate zone of vendors at Parimpora bus stand so that passengers and transporters don’t feel any inconvenience at the terminal.
The court had directed the passenger bus drivers to desist from overloading and stopping at random places to pick up passengers, an ugly aspect of public transportation system unattended in Valley till day.
