GREATER KASHMIR’S City Page carried an exhaustive coverage of the traffic mess in Karan Nagar area in its June 12 edition.
 Though belated, yet welcome, for it may help drawing the attention of those at the helm who have, over the years, allowed a state of lawlessness to firm up by their sheer indifference and doubtless collusion.
 The residents of the area have consistently been voicing their concern and forewarning the authorities of the possible fallouts of their apathy, but sadly, nothing has been done   to address to their concerns.
 Before it is too late and before the residents file a PIL, which is seriously being contemplated, to have their lawful grievances redressed by the Hon'ble High Court, the authorities would do well to enforce the law fearlessly and unreservedly.
 All shopping malls in the area need to be put on notice under the provisions of the law to provide for parking lots within their complex or face closure. Similarly, no such mall be allowed to be commissioned if it persists with violation of building permission norms and not provide with adequate parking space. And, those, who are showcasing cars, bikes and other consumer products on pavements and roads, need to be asked to get relocated to areas where they could conduct their business without inconveniencing the general public or face action of seizure of their displays.
 A note of caution, however:  in either case,  the serving of the notices should not be a mere formality. It should manifest a decisive and consistent action to show that the writ of the State prevails. Otherwise, such action only cultivate corruption and defiance.
  Let us trust and believe that the SMC and the Traffic Department will coordinate to address to the long pending concerns of the inhabitants of the area.
 By
Mushtaq Sidiqi
(The ideas expressed are author’s own)

Lastupdate on : Sun, 24 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 24 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST