HC directives on Kashmir traffic scene

JAMMU: Expressing concern over the poor traffic scenario in the state especially in Kashmir Valley, the State High Court today issued an array of directives to concerned authorities including exploring the feasibility of CNG/LPG stations.

The division bench of State High Court comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rahsid Ali Dar directed Indian Oil Corporation, and the District Magistrate Srinagar, exercising the jurisdiction under the Explosives Act and the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, to have a joint meeting and to identify the feasibility of space in Srinagar which could be used for setting up CNG/LPG dispensers.

“Authorities should table directions in the court which have been made by the Supreme Court as well as the National Tribunal, inter alia, with regard to life of vehicles; all measures to be taken to ensure safety of passengers and the citizens on the roads; protective measures to be taken for ensuring safety of school children,” the court directed to the authorities after hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the conditions of traffic scenario in the state especially in Kashmir.

The court further directed Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Srinagar, (SMC) to place on record the statutory provisions/ rules/ regulations/ bye-laws regarding the optimal height at which pavements are to be constructed and width thereof which has been prescribed and the SMC, shall ensure that all pavements are made to comport to the prescribed standards.

“The SMC shall also ensure that appropriate provision is made so that the pavements comport to the needs of specially abled persons and that the roads and pavements are made accessible to the persons with special needs,” the court directed.

DB further directed IG, Traffic, will place before this Court a report regarding the steps taken for ensuring that traffic rules including the requirement of wearing helmets by users of two wheelers are adhered to, details of challans against the persons not using helmets, safety bells and using mobiles while driving, before the next date of hearing.

DB also directed the traffic authorities and the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to ensure provision of duly marked zebra crossings and all required signs. “A status report regarding the steps taken in this regard shall be placed before us and traffic police shall examine the possibility of implementing e-challaning and receipt of the amount of the traffic challans by digital mode,” the court said.

The bench also directed IG, Traffic, to examine the possibility of drawing up of an e-linkage with the traffic courts and place a report before us in this regard. “The Traffic Police will also examine the possibility of effecting pedestrian light installations notifying the pedestrians the time/ duration of the signals enabling crossing major road intersections,” the court said.