SRINAGAR: Dr Arun Kumar Mehta Chief Secretary today chaired a meeting at Civil Secretariat here to review the traffic arrangements in the Srinagar City.In preparation for the impending Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and the existing tourist season, he carefully evaluated the flow of traffic on the national route connecting Srinagar and Jammu. Principal Secretary PWD, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Commissioner SMC, IGP traffic, DIG traffic, DC Srinagar, SSP traffic, VC J&K LCMA, and other interested parties were present at the meeting. Through video conference, the deputy commissioners from Ramban and Anantnag attended the meeting. Dr. Mehta, who presided over the meeting, exhorted the officers to take all necessary steps to improve traffic flow in Srinagar city and all other regions, with zero tolerance for infractions like improper parking and lane indiscipline. He expressed concern over the gridlock in the area surrounding Dal Lake and ordered the parties involved to immediately take corrective action.CS instructed the traffic authorities to improve their screening procedures since he insisted that checkpoints shouldn’t cause commuters unneeded hassles. He said that buses shouldn’t be stopped at random and should only stop in authorised areas. According to him, improper parking must be aggressively enforced, and any vehicle discovered should be hauled away. Inquiring further about the traffic plans for the approaching AmarnathJi yatra, the Chief Secretary stated that a robust plan should be developed to guarantee a smooth flow of traffic.He said that there shouldn’t be any traffic congestion in the upcoming months and that all measures must be made in advance to close any gaps. Dr. Mehta advised the officials to make sure pilgrims and other tourists had a good time so they would recommend Jammu and Kashmir to their home countries. Additionally, he requested that the traffic department confer with all relevant parties and create SOPs that all parties may follow without the need for coercive measures.The Chief Secretary also requested information regarding Srinagar’s Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) development and instructed the relevant parties to use the enhanced system to identify traffic infractions. He stated that beginning on June 23 at the fully automated intersections, the traffic department should begin generating e-challans against the violators. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other equipment have been installed by the government in Srinagar as part of the Smart City Project.Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other equipment have been installed by the government in Srinagar as part of the Smart City Project. The cameras have started transmitting command and control centres live video and photo feeds of traffic offences. It was disclosed that 25 of Srinagar’s around 60 junctions with ITMS cameras are fully prepared to begin generating e-challans. Dr Mehta further requested that the Deputy Commissioners of the districts of Anantnag and Ramban review the roadways in their respective districts and ensure that all necessary, protective work has been done to facilitate smooth vehicular movement.
