Three Row Parking: Delhi HC Worried How It Is A Hazard In Emergency, Calls Traffic Top Cop For Assistance [Read Order]

Concerned over how multiple row parking had led to chaotic traffic situations in several parts of Delhi – especially Karol Bagh area in Central Delhi, the Delhi High Court has asked the Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) to be present in the court to assist in finding out a solution to the traffic menace.

A bench of Justice S Ravindra Bhat and Justice AK  Chawla directed the top cop to be present before it on March 13.

The court was disquieted on learning how at some stretches, three-row parking was being allowed leading to traffic snarls and was worried as to how emergency vehicles would move about in the event of any emergency.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by NGO Pardarshita Welfare Foundation run by Harkrishan Das Nijhawan, who has been raising the issue of unregulated improper parking and encroachments in the name of religious structures causing traffic snarls in Central Delhi and southern Ridge.

“On the next date of hearing, the Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) shall be present to assist the Court as to the appropriate manner for ensuring that the traffic in Karol Bagh, Ajmal Khan Road and Arya Samaj Road are not congested and parking is not resorted to,” the court ordered.

“The submissions of the parties show that the municipal corporation has granted parking contracts to private parties. Apparently, this has led to chaotic traffic congestions inasmuch as in certain stretches, three rows of parking have been permitted. This situation is untenable as it not only impedes smooth flow of traffic and defeats the purpose of a public road, but also poses a hazard in the event of an emergency where ambulances and fire tenders cannot freely move on the road,” it observed.

The bench then directed that “the Delhi Traffic Police shall make available suitable alternatives to police the area to ensure that there is smooth flow of traffic”.

Harkrishan Nijhawan has been pressing for traffic reforms and clearing of encroachments from Delhi roads.

It was one of his petitions against encroachment on public roads that led a bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal to appoint a committee to look into the issue and suggest relocation of religious structures, including air-lifting the famous 108-ft tall Hanuman statue at Karol Bagh-Pusa Raod junction.