This refers to the article “A new traffic roadmap for Srinagar” by Aijaz Ahmad Bhat dated June 15, 2011. The writer deserves kudos for his beautiful analysis of the problem which needs immediate attention. He has not only deconstructed the whole problem but has equally given suggestions to overcome this mess. But some points, which the writer has reflected need more explanations. First, the river transport. These days some people and some politicians are obsessed with this new means of transportation service. They want to run motor boats in the water bodies of Srinagar, but how this new transport will destroy our water bodies no one is pondering over this issue. Second, relocation of major offices from the city to its outskirts. This is not an easy job, it is very expensive. Why shift offices from Srinagar, when many other options are available with us.
The issue of traffic in the valley is a grave concern from the environment point of view. We are emitting more corbon dioxide to the environment than some major cities in India. With more traffic, we are killing more people on roads than Pakistan and Bangladesh. With more traffic we are displacing more farmers by constructing roads. We are making more people homeless with the expansion of roads. Thus we are destroying our biodiversity with our own hands.  
 In Shanghai, the global city of the world more than 25 percent of the population is using bicycles. Similarly in Germany and other Western countries ‘bicycle cities’ are coming up. But, here we are in a mad race of purchasing more cars. Competition for cars is growing between friends, families and individuals.  Cars now reflect our identities, status and wealth. This competition has engulfed almost everyone in the valley, even our Chief Minster. This is a tragedy and the state is directly responsible for this mess.

S. Fayaz Ahmad
Halmatpora, Kupwara
fayazjustinternational@gmail.com

Lastupdate on : Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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