SRINAGAR, Oct 9:
Cutting across the party lines, members in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today expressed concern over the increasing number of road accidents and frequent traffic jams in the State.
However, Transport Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon said that a number of short and long-term measures are being taken to improve the traffic movement and check accidents in the State.
Responding to supplimentaries raised by the members in the House, he said the M/S RITES Limited appointed for preparation of a comprehensive Mobility Plan for capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar to suggest short-term and long term measures, has submitted its report for short term plan recently.
He added that a ‘House Committee’ appointed by Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone under the chairmanship of Communist Party of India (M) member Mohammad Yousuf Targami go through the causes of accidents in erstwhile Doda district has also submitted its report in April this year.
Mr Akhoon in reply to main question asked by Prof Chaman Lal Gupta said RITES has submitted its report for short-term plan which is under the consideration of the Government.
He assured that all members will be taken into confidence before any work on the plan is started.
Mr Akhoon informed the House that a number of measures, including traffic signals have been installed in Jammu and Srinagar cities, action was being taken against traffic violators, cranes and Hydraulic reckers with under lift arrangement have been pressed into service to lift vehicles parked at non parking areas, traffic cones and road dividers had been installed on various roads in two cities to enforce line driving and discipline among the motorists. Mr Akhoon said special anti encroachment drives are being launched in both the cities to remove all illegal encroachments by the municipalities.
The Minister said all 407 mini buses have been banned in erstwhile Doda district.
However, Congress member G M Saroori alleged that after the ban on 407 vehicles, the Government had promised to ply 40 vehicles on the routes which have yet to be introduced.
The members from Doda, Kishtwar, Banihal and Ramban areas alleged that despite announcements two years ago, the Government has failed to provide Critical Care Ambulances (CCA), particularly on Srinagar-Jammu highway.
The Minister said road accidents was a cause of concern for the Government also. He said Government has already taken initiative by appointing RITES, which has recommended fly avers, parking and other measures in its short-term plan.
About CCA, he said, the government has already ordered 25 such vehicles but due to court case the vehicles could not be purchased.
He added that his department is paying Rs 25000 to the next of kin of deceased persons while Rs 10000 to seriously injured and Rs 5000 to minor injured person. This, he said, is above the ex-gratia relief being paid from the Chief Minister’s relief fund.
Members also expressed serious concern over frequent traffic jams for hours at Pantha Chowk crossing and Shalteang crossing.
PDP MlA Basharat Bukhari alleged that despite assurance by the Minister two years ago that a fly over will be constructed at Shalteang crossing, nothing has been done so far. (UNI)
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