I can't pretend that traffic indiscipline is indigenous to or even unique to Srinagar City. But it does seem to have much more than fair share of lethally stupid, maliciously reckless, or just plain careless drivers and of course the poorly conceived traffic management plan.
 The other day while driving down from home, I was heading towards Press Enclave, where I was scheduled to meet a friend of mine. But enroute I got stuck in traffic jam near TRC. I saw the mess around me. It was horrific. I then started to think, think deep!
 What has changed in last two years? Because similar were the circumstances when I got stuck in traffic jam at the same place in 2010 and had to frequently call my friend in media to express my inability to meet him in time. The next day in an emotional outburst, I expressed: Srinagar the City without traffic discipline. It’s still there on: http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2010/Nov/23/srinagar-the-city-without-traffic-discipline.  Same situation again: My friend in media waiting for me and I stuck in traffic jam.
 Except for installation of few traffic lights and change of guards, I have not seen much change in traffic management at the ground level. On the human resource    front, a hope has emerged because of two dynamic officers: Dr GN Qasba and Mr Shafqat Wattali, who have initiated a series of measures of decongestion to bring about a sense of discipline in the City traffic.
 But then proper long term planning is required the most. The traffic continues to grow but the City has no ring roads /subways for utilization during peak hours of congestion.
 On the public front, people have to improve their basic/civil manners/sense. Cars are parked mindlessly everywhere on the roads. The unavailability of adequate parking space has furthered the mess. Passenger buses don’t adhere to any norms while a new breed of bikers has emerged who love doing deadly stunts. Why they do it and how their parents allow it is something for the society to ponder over? Most such speedsters also mistakenly believe they have monopoly on roads in heavy fast-moving traffic without even slowing down at traffic intersections and then abusing you for not leaving a space for them.
 Besides, traffic policy should be made stringent for reforms vis-à-vis improvement. We can make traffic education, a subject in schools and colleges. Hold seminars in offices and residential societies to educate people on driving do’s and don’ts. It is not difficult. If each one of us decides to convert at least one person into a sensible driver, we will do our duty.

By
Dr Fiaz Fazili
(The ideas expressed are author’s own)

Lastupdate on : Sun, 17 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
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