JAMMU: Ansuya Jamwal, the Additional District Magistrate, chaired a meeting today to discuss the issues preventing cars and pedestrians from moving through the city smoothly. Talks focused on improving traffic flow and pedestrian mobility by involving all relevant parties, such as companies and the district government, with particular emphasis on the problem of merchants encroaching on public walkways. During the meeting, Ansuya restated the district administration’s position, emphasising that “smooth movement of men and materials is pivotal for thriving businesses” and emphasising that sensitization should take precedence over punitive actions. To guarantee a smooth traffic flow on the roads leading to the Jammu High Court, specific instructions were issued.Representatives of well-known companies and bazaar associations took an active part in the discussions. Ansuya Jamwal emphasised the need for organised business activities to not be hindered by unregulated practises, highlighting the negative effects of encroaching on public pathways on the income of shopkeepers and the general public. The Additional DM drew attention to particular areas and emphasised the need to maintain notified zones free of unauthorised parking and rehris, especially in crowded city centres. She emphasised that in order to secure cooperation from all societal segments, prior sensitization is crucial. The meeting acknowledged the associated benefits and challenges and descended into extensive discussions on parking and traffic management solutions.The ADM made a suggestion about future coordinated efforts to carry out the discussed tasks. Sanjay Badyal, DC North of the Jammu Municipal Corporation, was assigned the responsibility of starting awareness campaigns in the city to encourage public space respect. A directive was sent to the JMC to carry out extra actions in support of this mission. Concerned officers were directed to make sure that coaching centres and educational institutions do not add to the traffic problems in the city in order to allay these worries. During the meeting, business representatives not only supported the suggested solutions but also offered input. Officers from SP North Jammu Kulbir Handa, SP South Jammu Shaheen Wahid, SDM North Nitish Rajora, and SDM South Atul Dutt Sharma were among those present at the meeting.
