A call for civic discipline |
Across the length and breadth of the Kashmir Valley, an increasingly visible problem is quietly but steadily choking our roads indiscriminate roadside parking of private vehicles. From bustling towns to remote villages, one can see vehicles parked along narrow roads, often without any regard for space, traffic flow, or public inconvenience. What may appear to some as a small matter of convenience has gradually evolved into a serious civic and traffic challenge.
The number of private vehicles in Kashmir has grown significantly over the past decade. With improving economic conditions and easier access to vehicle financing, many families now own one or more vehicles. While this reflects economic mobility and development, it has also created pressure on our already limited road infrastructure. Unfortunately, this growth has not been matched by the creation of adequate parking spaces or the development of a culture of responsible parking.
A common sight across the Valley is vehicles parked haphazardly along roadsides, outside homes, markets, offices, and even in areas where parking is clearly prohibited. In many villages, where roads are already narrow, vehicles parked along both sides leave barely enough space for another vehicle to pass. Drivers are often forced to manoeuvre through tight gaps, leading to frequent traffic snarls and unnecessary delays.
More worrying is the impact such........