The ever increasing traffic woes
The plight of traffic scenario in Kashmir is known to all. Not only the cities, but major towns and other places across Kashmir valley are witnessing the menace of traffic jams particularly during peak rush hours of morning and evening.
The issue of traffic jams has become so complex that commuters have to waste hours together to snake though the roads and streets on any given day. The situation becomes irritating during the morning and evening hours when office goers, school children and business men either leave for their places of work or are heading back home during the evening hours.
The traffic mess not only leads to loss of time and resources but it has given rise to several questions as to why the issue has not been tackled so far. We do not deny the efforts that have been made and measures that have been put in place, but the reality is that the situation is growing to become more complex with every passing day.
We also do not deny the ever increasing traffic on the roads with the number of new vehicles registered by private and commercial enterprises putting more stress on the already squeezed roads and lanes.
However, one important phenomenon that has made the situation worse is the non-compliance of traffic rules by the commuters and the lack of scientific management and procedures that should have otherwise been adopted by the authorities.
The unending traffic jams have given rise to more complex problems than one can imagine. The long traffic jams have led to decrease in air quality as air pollution tend to rise significantly due to idling engines and slow-moving traffic.
The traffic snarls also lead to increased fuel consumption, resulting in higher greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating climate change. Besides, noise pollution also tends to cross all limits as the jams generate excessive noise, causing disturbance to residents and natural surroundings.
The traffic concerns have been demanding immediate and long term measures since a long time now. The authorities also need to work innovatively to curb the menace as Kashmir valley is witnessing increased footfall of visitors as well which is making things more complex.
Besides, the festive occasions that are witnessed in the region quite frequently also demand that a better traffic management system that is based on scientific solutions needs to be put in place here.
As of now the authorities need to stress on few points which include improving the public transportation across the region with the drivers being taught to implement traffic discipline at all costs.
The frequent traffic jams are mainly caused by undesired halts by the public transport handlers which need to be tackled. The public transport buses need to be asked to stop at designated stops only where efforts should be made to create extra space for parking the vehicles alongside the road and let the rest of the traffic move easily.
The commuters should also be encouraged to use alternative modes of transportation like cycling, walking and using water channels and the river Jhelum as another mode of transportation.
Though some steps have been taken in this regard but as of now they seem to be proving half-hearted measures. The authorities also need to work out a plan and start investing in urban planning and infrastructure development, as that will only ensure scientific management of traffic in the region.
