Srinagar, Dec 28 (KNS): While welcoming the decision of J&K High Court regarding the parking of vehicles in city Center Lal Chowk, the traders questioned the administration’s role in implementing the decision.
In an extraordinary meeting, the traders expressed concern over the lack of parking slots in Lal Chowk and its adjoining areas. “We welcome the decision of the Hon’ble High Court’s decision on parking in the city. However, at the same time we question the administration’s role in its implementation. The decision can be implemented only when there is enough parking facilities available in the area,” Lateef Lone, a trader from Lal Chowk said.
He alleged that traders and customers were being harassed in the name of parking by the police. “Already parking slots at Sheikh Bagh, SRTC Yard, Apna Bazar and Press Enclave have been closed by the administration. Where will traders and customers park their vehicles? The lack of parking facilities forces people to park their vehicles at wrong places,” Lone said.
He added that the traders have decided to approach the High Court with a plea so that they get some relief. “Not only lack of parking, but lack of street lights and drainage system has created huge problems for the businessmen of Lal Chowk. We appeal the High Court to issue orders to the concerned authorities to look into these issues,” Lone said.
His views were echoed by another trader. “It seems administration is hell bent to destroy the centrality of Lal Chowk. If wrong parking is a problem, so is street vendors, who have occupied all footpaths and even at places portions of roads. Why is police and administration watching this silently?” he asked.
Ghulam Hassan, a retired employee said that he had to park his vehicle more than a kilometer away to reach Lal Chowk on Friday. “In this bone-chilling cold, I had to walk more than a kilometer alongwith my ailing wife, who had come to Lal Chowk for some shopping. If the authorities want to curb wrong parking menace, they should provide an alternative to the people to park their vehicles,” he added. (KNS)