Srinagar: The J&K High Court while appreciating the efforts of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan in curbing menace of roadside parking directed him to continue doing the exercise to ensure that the object is achieved without fail.
The court directed him to implement the directions in all the areas falling under his jurisdiction.
The direction was passed after a detailed report regarding parking spaces was submitted before court.
“We have gone through the report and heard the counsel for the parties on the issue. The category A of the compliance report in respect of existing parking sites/ places, for their re-designation as hourly and day parking slots may be continued by ensuring that the parking charges are enhanced and regulated after following the codal formalities,” the court directed.
While going through the compliance report, the court found that in category ‘B’ of the report 28 parking slots have been identified which are to be developed as new parking spaces but it still leaves many areas of the Srinagar City unattended.
“While taking on record the 28 identified sites in category ‘B’ we direct the Divisional Commissioner and all concerned authorities to ensure that these sites are developed as such with promptitude after following the due procedure of law. Additionally, we direct the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to identify more sites for parking of vehicles in the left out areas of Srinagar city and Rural Areas,” the court directed.
Meanwhile report by the Divisional Commissioner also stated that 16 roadside parking slots have been identified for use of parking vehicles.
The court while taking the submission on record said, “We do not feel to modify the order to the extent of all 16 identified roadside parking, but on consideration, we allow the roadside parking at seven places, from Linz Restaurant to CID Headquarter, from Linz Restaurant to SSP Traffic Office between Chinars, In front of Sher-i-Kashmir Park, from Tao Restaurant to General Post Office, Press Enclave parking, single lane opposite Pratap Park, Single lane parking near Deputy Commissioner’s Office and Dharam Trust Office to BSNL Office Kothi Bagh.
“Let the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, and the District Magistrate, Srinagar, file their compliance in this behalf by the next date, 10 March,” the court said.
The suggestion made in the compliance report by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir for using the lands near District Court Complex Bemina (to be regulated by SDA) and on Boulevard Road and near Mughal Garden (to be regulated by LAWDA), was accepted with direction that signages are to be erected near the cross-roads for the convenience of the general public.
The Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, was also directed to take immediate steps for procuring the 50 Digital Time Recording Machines for monitoring of parking intervals.
Meanwhile due to shortage of parking space in the High Court Complex, the Court requested J&K Chief Secretary to explore the possibility of handing over the evacuee property premises land behind the Advocate General’s Office for its use as parking space by the High Court.

NUSRAT SIDIQ