Srinagar, Jul 31: To reduce traffic mess in Kashmir, the government has warned officials to remove encroachment from the pavements and cover main holes on the roads or face action.
“All main holes in Srinagar shall be properly covered by Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) otherwise the concerned officers will face action,” a senior official shared government’s directives to officials.
The official said the government has directed concerned officials to launch a joint intensive drive by various government agencies for removal of vendors along the roads and bus stands and action shall be taken against any shop keeper or vendors who are placing goods and material on the pavements despite warnings issued from time to time in this regard.
Similarly, officials of Roads and Buildings Department have been directed to ensure filling of potholes across the Valley.
These directives have been passed to ensure smooth flow of traffic across Kashmir especially in Srinagar city.
There are several roads, which have not been widened over the years.
The Moulana Azad Road as it’s a gateway to the heart of the city, Lal Chowk. When we studied this road, it was found that there was virtually no difference between peak and non-peak hours since rush hour is a round-the-clock phenomenon.
The situation is worsened by roadside vendors and hawkers at Hari Singh High Street, Lal Chowk, who not only occupy the road, but also lead to huge traffic snarls.
The Natipora junction, an arterial road that merges the traffic from two sides, is a nightmare for commuters.
Besides, roads in Kashmir have thousands of blind spots or curves. Vehicles colliding, skidding and turning turtle are often reported, for which people have to pay a price. The Boulevard widening project was approved by the government in 2009. Despite that the project is yet to be executed resulting in the road witness traffic jam.
