Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Mar 28: In wake of approaching tourist season in the cold desert, Hill Council Chairman Dr Sonam Dawa chaired a meeting which was attended by officers from army, paramilitary, transporters and concern district officer for smooth traffic regulation and management in the city.
The meeting had deliberate discussion on various issues which includes traffic management and regulation, retiring of 15 year old vehicles from road, issuance of contract carriage permit for taxis, army erecting unnecessary nakas at various location, non-local taxis and self driven hired cars in light of court case on the matter.
Addressing the house, Dr Dawa said that Leh is facing a serious challenge of increasing traffic menace which ultimately disturbs the eco system of Ladakh. To minimize the impact on environment, we must collectively find a way out, he added.
He informed about multi layer parking facility in the heart of city to accommodate 250 vehicles at a time and asked taxi union to vacate their space so that work on new parking space can be started at earliest. He also mentioned about proposal to make underground parking facility at Polo Ground to meet the growing demands. Dr Dawa also directed administration to ensure parking space while issuing building permit.
Deputy Commissioner Prasanna Ramaswamy G informed the meeting that 25 crores fund have been sanctioned for the parking space in the city and existing taxi unions, 207 unions and bus union will be relocate to new location near bomb guard.
He also issued order to remove the unauthorized check points along the National Highway and asked SSP to keep a check on it.
Responding to All Ladakh transport Union Chairman Dorjay Angchok demands for issuing new permit to unemployment youth, DC said that Leh is already overflowing with too much of traffic therefore new permit will be issued only after verifying the applicant with strict guidelines.
DC also asked ARTO Khadim Hussain to formulate a new traffic rules and regulation in contexts to Ladakh geo-climatical condition. Considering the challenges and difficulties involves while travelling on high passes, DC asked transporters to have extra accessories fitted in the local cars for the convenient of tourist.
Seeking cooperation from army and civilian for smooth traffic management of traffic, SSP seeks one week time to find out new traffic routes to minimize traffic congestion on certain routes.
Assuring their full cooperation, the army officers also sought special parking space for army at certain areas.
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