STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey issued various directions to the SMC, RTO and others for smooth traffic while taking up a Public Interest Litigation.
Division Bench observed that in compliance to the direction dated 12.02.2018, Srinagar Municipal Corporation has filed status report stating therein that from Parimpora to Jehangir Chowk, 11 spots are identified where the signages, fabricated out of MS sheets and retro-reflective in nature, have been installed.
In addition it is also stated that the Corporation has fixed 150 traffic signages at different locations identified by the traffic police.
SSP, Traffic, Srinagar City, who was present in the Court, stated that further spots will be identified consistent with the advisory as shall be given by the appointed advisor of the Government and same will be done within a week’s time.
Division Bench further observed that in compliance of the order dated 12.02.2018, in the status report it has been stated that the Corporation continues its anti-encroachment drive on daily basis in various areas which include Hari Singh High Street, L.D Hospital, Lal Chowk, Naaz Crossing, Amira Kadal, Batamaloo, Moominabad, Panthachowk and Parimpora Bus Stand; in the process number of vehicles were seized and nine challans have been registered; fine has also been imposed on the offenders.
Division Bench further observed that keeping in view the drive has to be intensified, for so doing police assistance is must, therefore, directed IGP Kashmir to make proper arrangement by providing police assistance.
DB further observed that in compliance to the direction contained in Para-9 of the order dated 12.02.2018 it is stated that the Municipal Corporation in 2014 has prepared a list of 2911 street vendors who were found to be conducting business in different parts of Srinagar city on roads/streets.
Division Bench directed 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. Both the authorities shall file their respective compliance report by or before next date. 6. In compliance to the direction contained in Para-10 of the order dated 12.02.2018 it has been stated that the Municipal Corporation 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.
DB also directed that in this regard latest status report be filed by or before next date, however, it is further pointed out that there are no marks on the roads for pedestrian crossings. AAG, representing the traffic department, submitted that those sites will be identified so as to enable the Municipal Corporation to follow it up.
In compliance to Para-12 of the said order dated 12.02.2018 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, DB directed Amicus to file response as regarding these 47 spots and operation thereof; list of 47 spots shall be furnished to Amicus.
DB further observed that Deputy Labour Commissioner, Srinagar, has filed compliance report stating therein that SRO 472 has been issued on 16.11.2017, same is being implemented in the field and the shops and establishment owners have to observe specific day closures. The meeting has been convened with the Traders Federation who had resisted to observe alternate closures and was requested to observe Sundays and Fridays as close days. Traders Federation in-fact were advised to approach the Administrative Department for amendment, if any required. It is also mentioned that while enforcing strict observance to SRO 472, shops and other business establishments shuttled down their shops and have shown total resentment, therefore, Labour Department requires some assistance.
DB further said that law has to be enforced in its real spirit. Violators thereof shall be dealt with in accordance with law by proper action against them. Labour Commissioner shall take appropriate steps in this behalf and shall file status report on the next date as to how these closure days are being followed. DB further observed that Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir has filed detailed status report mentioning therein that the action has been initiated on the basis of the report received by him from the J&K State Pollution Control Board.
In essence it is highlighted therein that it is for the Regional Director(SPCB) Kashmir, Commissioner SMC, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir and SSP Traffic City Srinagar, who have to take all necessary measures for ensuring and implementing the directions in its letter and spirit. The report as has been filed be taken on record, copy of the same be provided to the Amicus to file his response. Meanwhile, DB directed the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to monitor the follow up by the Regional Director (SPCB) Kashmir, Commissioner SMC, RTO Kashmir and SSP Traffic City Srinagar. In addition DB also directed the SSP Traffic, Srinagar to report on the next date as to in how may vehicles pressure horns were noticed and from how many vehicles same have been removed and challaned.
DB further observed that counsel for Municipal Corporation that the order has been implemented and all encroachments have been removed from Batamaloo Bus Stand to Sadder Court Moominabad. The drive is on and in case any encroachment is found anywhere same will be immediately removed.
DB directed SSP Traffic, Srinagar to ensure that on daily basis special squads make surprise visits of different areas so as to check the menace of overloading or any sort of violation of traffic rules and to file fresh status report.
DB also directed RTO, Kashmir to file latest status report, with the traffic violations by the drivers, submitted that he will issue a circular and will make it public by different means i.e. through print as well as electronic media, so as to create awareness as well as warning that any type of traffic violation may entail seizure of vehicles and fine.