Srinagar, May 23: For “permanent settlement” of traffic mess created by Jammu bound vehicles in Lal Chowk, the High Court has granted a fortnight to the state government for identifying an alternative site to Tourism Reception Centre for shifting of these vehicles.
 The Division Bench of High Court comprising of Justice, FM Ibrahim Kalifulla and Justice Muhammad Yaqoob Mir while hearing the petitions seeking an end to traffic mess at Gantaghar, said: “In light of the assurance made by the authorities that within two weeks alternate site would be identified and reported to this Court, the time asked for is granted.”
 The authorities, the Court said, have ensured the shifting of the operation of Jammu bound vehicles from Lal Chowk area to a suitable place in two weeks.
 The case has been listed after two weeks.
 The order copy lying with Greater Kashmir reveals that the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr Asghar Samoon, had prayed before the Court for grant of two weeks to file the report regarding implementation of March 17 and May 16 Court orders of shifting of the cabs.
 On March 17, the Court had directed the state government to make the already identified Mirakshah Bus Stand and TRC operational for Light Motor Vehicles and commuters bound to Jammu.
 On May 16, the Court directed the state Government to implement the March 17 order regarding shifting of Jammu bound passenger services to the TRC by May 19.
 Samoon in his application prayed: “The TRC comprises of premises where one portion is under the occupation of Directorate of Tourism and remaining under the occupation of Tourism Development Corporation, which has been hired by the Estates Department for providing accommodation to the Durbar Move employees.”
 Keeping in view the proximity of the TRC to official accommodation of VIPs including the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, and Army Cantonment, he said: “Certain legal requirements were to be followed and approval is to be sought from state cabinet in terms of J&K Business Rules, as well as in terms of J&K Motor Vehicle Rules to make the area operational.”
 He also submitted that the authorities have made temporary arrangements for operation of the passenger vehicles in front of the Tourist Centre premises and that they had also stopped operation of such vehicles from Lal Chowk.
 The Advocate General, Ishaq Qadri, also submitted that the Chief Secretary had himself taken up the task of finding a location for making alternate arrangements, in the light of the vulnerability of the place originally suggested viz TRC. Qadri also submitted that state government would “definitely take into account the convenience of the Jammu bound commuters till alternate site is located.”
 In March the state government constituted a High Level Committee of officers for identifying sites to lower down the traffic rush in Lal Chowk.
  The Committee in its report submitted before the Court said it had identified TRC and Mirakshah Bus Stand to be used for Jammu bound vehicles to decongest the traffic at Lal Chowk.
 The appellants in the case are advocate Bashir Ahmad Bashir and advocate J H Reshi.
 Pertinently observers have been suggesting that Nowgam bypass near the Railway Station was an ideal location for taxi stand of Jammu bound cabs, and even for the inter-district Tata Sumo service.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 23 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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