‘Traffic congestion, inconvenience leave residents demanding solutions’
Imran Shah
Kishtwar, (TDD) The recent decision by the Kishtwar administration to impose a ban on the entry of private vehicles into the Mini Secretariat premises has triggered widespread inconvenience, particularly for people traveling from remote areas.
While the move is intended to maintain order within the premises, it has inadvertently caused severe traffic jams and accessibility issues for the public.
Residents, especially those coming from far-flung regions, are now forced to park their vehicles along the roads outside the Secretariat. The situation has led to massive traffic congestion, with vehicles lined up on both sides of the road for up to 100 meters, hampering smooth vehicular movement in the area.
Adding to the challenges, some government employees also faced initial difficulty gaining entry due to the strict implementation of the new rule. Employees without gate passes were reportedly denied entry and had to contact senior officials to secure authorization. Police personnel stationed at the gate stated that they were strictly following orders from the District Commissioner (DC), allowing only vehicles with official gate passes to enter.
The public has expressed frustration over the lack of alternative arrangements and has urged the administration to take swift corrective measures. Suggestions from affected residents include:
Introducing a token or temporary pass system to facilitate controlled access for the public and improving traffic management to ensure smoother vehicular flow in the surrounding area.
“The decision has only added to our struggles. Coming from distant villages, we already face travel difficulties, and now we are left with no proper parking,” said a resident who was forced to park his vehicle far from the premises.
While the administration’s move aims to maintain order and security within the Secretariat, the growing public outcry highlights the urgent need for adjustments. Residents are calling for a balance between administrative control and public convenience to ensure that essential services remain accessible without causing unnecessary hardship.
The administration has yet to issue an official response on the matter, but with mounting concerns, citizens hope for a swift resolution to prevent further disruption. (TDD)
