SPOT A CAR: You can’t, as the Kashmir University campuspresents a pristine look. No horns, no noise. Let’s make it education friendly
Not allowing vehicles in the Kashmir university campus is anice step. We need to support it all of course with some back up without whichthe spirit may fade away soon and we will be back to a noisy, crowded campus weearlier had
The recent NAAC visit to the University of Kashmir was anice experience. The institution got a good time to introspect. The universitycampus besides showcasing its academic contributions, did something that hasnot been done earlier. A positive move which can fetch good results if carriedon with steadfastness.
The university authorities have issued an order according towhich vehicles will not be allowed inside the campus. That will bring down thepollution level appreciably. Besides making air cleaner, it will make thesurroundings greener and the atmosphere calmer than ever before. The move is byand large liked and supported by everyone. But certain things are needed toback it up.
One, there must be specially designed pollution-freevehicles available on all gates which can ferry people to their respectiveplaces (as and when needed). A rainy day may make it a bit difficult to walkthe distance. In view of the holy month, the need of such vehicles gets evenstronger.
Two, it has to apply top down. Let there be no hierarchy ofvehicles. No VIP exceptions or exemptions. The university higher authoritiescan set an example. If they do it,others will follow. Otherwise the move will lose its spirit. Once theexceptions are made, then it will be difficult to control the flow of traffic.On one pretext or the other, people will manage to get through. That way itwill be a battle of hierarchies. If clean green campus is the target, all willhave to contribute irrespective of the status and position you have.
Three, parking space is a problem. We need bigger parkingspaces at the gates keeping in view the increasing number of vehicles. Moreoverthe vehicles of the visitors too will have to be given some space. That issomething which can take time. But the process can be initiated. Convertingsome more land into usable parking spaces will take a great burden off thecampus.
Four, university can outsource transport facility to someprivate agency. If university staff and students are picked and dropped inuniversity arranged vehicles, that will not only reduce the concentration oftraffic inside the campus, but that will relieve the roads of the city as well.To avoid traffic mess more people will prefer to come in university busses.That will ensure punctuality as a bonus.
With these steps, it may take some time to regulate theprocess, but it will turn out to be a wonderful step with long term benefits.The university is presenting a serene look which we can maintain provided weoffer a strong support and a practical back-up without which it may fade awaywith time. We hope the university authorities think on these lines so that themove lasts longer.