The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The J&K Traffic Police on Saturday said the traffic movement will remain suspended on the NH-44 tonight in light of the repair works to be carried out on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

As per the news agency CNS, the J&K Traffic Police in a post on X said, “As intimated by NHAI that urgent repair/maintenance has to be carried out on NH44 between Nashri and Banihal during today's intervening night of 15/16 of June 2024, all types of vehicular movement will remain suspended tonight.”

It said that no movement of any kind of vehicle including fresh perishable/livestock will be allowed on NH-44 today on 15-06-2024 (Saturday) after 6 pm from Qazigund towards Ramban.

Similarly, no vehicular movement shall be allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) after 5 pm and from Udhampur at 6 pm, the J&K Traffic Police said.

“Commuters are advised to avoid journeys on NH-44 till the work is completed. Please ask TCU for the latest update at (9419993745, 1800-180-7043),” it added.

Earlier, the repair works were undertaken between Nashri and Banihal of NH-44 during the intervening night of the 6th and 7th of this month.

SRINAGAR — After incessant rainfall battered Kashmir and rendered major roads impassable, the Jammu and Srinagar National Highway continues to remain blocked on Tuesday following landslides and shooting stones at multiple spots along the thoroughfare.

As per the news agency CNS, the J&K Traffic Police said that the works, to resume the traffic movement on NH-44, have been going with men and machinery stepping up the pace.

“Restoration work is in progress on NH-44. Commuters are advised to avoid journey till the road is fully restored,” the J&K Traffic Police said in a post on X.

It is pertinent to mention that the restoration works to reopen the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway were taken immediately after landslides occurred on the NH-44 but the works were hindered by the incessant rains and shooting stones.

With the let-up in rainfall, traffic officials are expecting the NH-44 to be restored for traffic after expediting the road clearance works.

While filing this report, the restoration works were going on at Dalwas, Mehad and Magerkote areas on the NH-44.

SRINAGAR — Though authorities ruled out the possibility of floods in Kashmir, several areas across the Valley were submerged due to inundation. The water level in Jehlum and other water bodies on Monday late evening was recorded below the danger mark.

Authorities said that the weather is likely to improve from midnight on Monday and the water level in the water bodies will recede drastically. Though there is no imminent threat of any flood, authorities conducted crucial meetings to meet any eventuality.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, who is also the Chairman District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) chaired a meeting to review the flood control and mitigation preparations in the district. Senior Superintendent of Police, Ashish Mishra was also present in the meeting.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed on utmost coordination among line departments and formulating an efficient plan to ensure prompt response to any flood-like situation in the district. He directed the officers to remain in a state of readiness by mobilizing all men and machinery on the ground, particularly at vulnerable spots to avoid any loss of human lives or property damage.

He laid emphasis on round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable flood-prone spots and ensuring timely dissemination of information among the people viz flood alerts, evacuation points and centres, transportation plans etc so that people are updated about the evacuation and rescue plans well in time. He directed the concerned officers to focus on the identified vulnerable spots so that rapid action is ensured in case of need or to arrest embankment breaches, if any. The DC further directed the concerned departments to formulate rescue plans, identify safe control room locations and also prepare a backup plan. He asked for strengthening communication with the ground-level staff and people during any emergency so that people do not panic and get actual information about rescue measures and places available for the public. The CMO was directed to ensure that important machinery and medicines at health institutions are kept in safer places in all the health institutions. He was also asked to evolve proper SoPs to deal with the floods like the ‘Code Blue’ being followed in hospitals, where every concerned individual is fully acquainted with their responsibilities in times of emergency. Similarly, the Deputy Director FCS&CA Department was asked to make necessary arrangements to protect the food grains from any damage due to rising water levels. The department was asked to distribute rations for the month of May 2024 among the consumers of the district in advance in the wake of the inclement weather predictions. Likewise, SMC, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Irrigation, SRTC, State Motor Garages and other line departments were directed to ensure all flood mitigation.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Ahmad Kataria, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr Khalid Hussain Malik, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad, Superintending Engineers of Hydraulic, Mechanical Irrigation, R&B, Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Directors of Tourism, FCS&CA, SRTC, State Motor Garages, Officers from Irrigation & Flood Control and other concerned departments were present in the meeting.

Rains lashed Valley on the third consecutive day, prompting authorities to shut down the schools in different districts. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir announced the closure of all schools on Tuesday. Due to incessant rains, the Srinagar-Jammu highway and other roads also remained closed for the traffic on Monday.

Several houses were damaged due to landslides in Ramban district. A boy also died in the fateful incident. Livestock were washed away due to flash floods in a Ramban hamlet. Lightning struck in a village in Ramban, leading to the death of four horses.

Due to consistent rainfall, scores of roads were waterlogged much to the inconvenience of the general public.

PULWAMA — The road from Dalipora to Chatapora via Industrial Estates in Pulwama, which falls within the jurisdiction of Jammu and Kashmir Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (SICOP) and the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, has become a symbol of neglect and frustration for the local population. Despite numerous pleas, the road's dismal state has persisted for a decade, leading to significant inconvenience and posing risks for the community.

Residents of the area have expressed their grievances and concerns through a collective appeal addressed to the authorities. The road, having evolved into a bypass connecting Rajpora Road with Murran Road, has become a vital link for Pulwama's traffic. However, its decrepit condition has led to a host of problems, affecting not only the residents' daily commutes but also the safety of all road users.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, conveyed the residents' shared anguish. "We've been grappling with this issue for far too long. The road's condition has worsened over the years, and it's simply unacceptable that our pleas have gone unanswered. Our safety is compromised, and our patience has worn thin," the resident commented.

Nasreen Bano, a local resident, shared her frustration. "We've repeatedly appealed to the concerned authorities for action, but to no avail. Our lives are disrupted, our vehicles suffer damage, and the safety of pedestrians is compromised due to the road's state."

In a bid to address the situation, Mr Ab Aziz Shiekh (JKAS), the former Additional District Development Commissioner Pulwama, had visited the road stretch some months back. Despite his visit, there has been no visible progress, exacerbating the residents' dissatisfaction.

Local residents shared their views on the lack of response from the authorities. "It's disappointing that our concerns haven't been taken seriously. We expected action after the official's visit, but nothing has changed. The road's condition continues to deteriorate," said another resident.

PULWAMA — The frequent traffic jams in southern Kashmir's Pulwama town continue to irk commuters as the town reports huge traffic jams for a long time, especially during evening hours.

People blamed lack of parking space, mismanagement of traffic, lack of footpaths and non-compliance of traffic rules by motorists.

Locals told the news agency KNO that most people illegally park their vehicles on roadsides without caring about others which leads to frequent jams.

Showkat Ahmad, a local resident, said traffic jams are mainly witnessed from Rajpora Chowk to Newa Sumo Stand. "The district hospital is also located on the same route; thereby the frequent gridlocks cause immense hardship to the patients and attendants to reach their destinations," he said.

Nisar Ahmad, another local, said that people are facing hardships due to the traffic mess in Pulwama town. He said that despite some efforts from the traffic department, there has hardly been any difference on the ground.

A group of employees said the persistent traffic jams have put their jobs at stake as they fail to reach their respective offices in time. They said that the authorities have not carried out the widening of roads and it becomes a challenge for vehicles to navigate through narrow roads.

They sought the intervention of DC Pulwama in this regard. Meanwhile, an official said that the action against the erring drivers is being taken regularly.

RAMBAN — Vehicular movement along the crucial Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is set to face a temporary suspension for 14 hours over the weekend, affecting travel between Nashri and Banihal in Ramban district.

According to an order, the halt in traffic flow is scheduled from 10 pm on March 9, 2024, until noon on March 10, 2024. The suspension aims to facilitate widening works for a two-lane carriageway at Dhalwas, with additional widening efforts at other locations along the highway from Nashri to Banihal.

The decision comes following a requisition received from the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in Ramban, highlighting the necessity to ensure the safety and well-being of travellers and drivers.

"Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, National Highways, Ramban, are directed to enforce the orders meticulously," the order stated.

SHOPIAN — The residents of several areas in South Kashmir have demanded the widening of the Shopian-Aglar route that connects dozens of villages.

The residents of Aglar, Nikloora, Shirmal, Heff, Chillipora, Sugan, Turkwangam, Molu, Dangerpora, Trenz, Pahnoo and several other villages told the news agency KNO that this is one of the most important routes of the district connecting Shopian with Pulwama and Anantnag but it is very congested at many places.

They said that the narrowness of the road at most of the places often leads to traffic jams due to which locals suffer.

Aabid Ahmad, a resident of Heff, said that the government has done a great job by maintaining this vital road but the road is not wide enough to cater for the heavy rush of vehicles. He said that this route is used by people coming from Kulgam and Shopian to reach Industrial Estate SIDCO Lassipora.

“As this road connects hundreds of villages and witnesses a heavy rush of traffic round the clock, the road needs immediate widening for all 22 kilometres from Aglar to Shopian as the narrowness of this road often leads to accidents and traffic jams,” he said.

Basharat Ahmad, a resident of Turkwangam, said this road connects dozens of areas with SIDCO Lassipora near Turkwangam but people often suffer due to the narrowness of the road.

Locals said that they have repeatedly requested authorities to take steps for the widening of the road but no steps have been taken as of now.

They requested higher-ups to look into the matter and take immediate steps for the widening of this road so that the public won't suffer anymore.

SRINAGAR — As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Srinagar tomorrow, the Inspector General (IG) of Traffic, Bhim Sen Tuti stated that the roads leading to the venue will remain closed for public transport.

Addressing media persons, IG Traffic, as per the news agency KNO, said that starting from 4:00 am until 7:00 pm on March 7, the traffic movement from Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh and Rajbagh to LD Hospital-Tulsi Bagh route will be restricted.

“Motorists travelling between Jehangir Chowk and Rambagh are advised to use alternative routes through interior roads, specifically the Rambagh-Hyderpora-Moominabad-Batmaloo road instead of the Solina-Magarmal Bagh axis,” said the IGP Traffic.

Also, traffic assistance points will be stationed at strategic locations to facilitate smooth movement along these routes, he added.

Similarly, motorists travelling from Radio Kashmir-Rajbagh and adjacent areas towards Solina-Rambagh are advised to take the MA/RR Road-Jehangir Chowk Batmaloo-Moominabad-Hyderpora route instead of the Rajbagh-Jawahar Nagar-LD Hospital-Tulsi Bagh Road axis.

Additionally, the movement of vehicles from Panthachowk towards Sonwar and vice versa will be discouraged during this period. “Students appearing for examinations are urged to carry valid ID cards and roll number slips and to reach their examination centres before 8:30 am and leave after 3:00 pm to avoid any inconvenience, with special arrangements made for them at traffic assistance points,” mentioned the IGP Traffic.

Furthermore, motorists are advised to avoid travelling on Gupkar road and instead use the Dalgate-Nehru Park road to reach their destinations. Citizens are reminded to park their vehicles only at designated parking places to prevent congestion, as wrongly parked vehicles will be towed.

Moreover, in case of emergencies or assistance, citizens can contact the Traffic Police on the special service number (103), added the IGP Traffic. “The restrictions and advisories are implemented to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of traffic during the Prime Minister's visit to Srinagar,” he added.

SRINAGAR — Persistent rainfall has led to multiple landslides along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, causing a complete blockade, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The landslides, occurring between the Banihal and Ramban sectors, have severely disrupted traffic flow along the vital transportation artery.

Compounding the situation, heavy rainfall persists along the entire length of the highway, heightening the dangers of travel in the region.

In response to the crisis, authorities have issued advisories advising the public to refrain from using NH-44 until weather conditions improve and the road is cleared of debris, emphasizing safety as a top priority amidst the ongoing inclement weather.

SRINAGAR — After enduring a four-day closure prompted by a series of landslides triggered by heavy rains and snowfall, the Srinagar-Jammu national highway was finally reopened for traffic on Friday.

Efforts by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) National Highway Ramban, and the diligent work of traffic police have been instrumental in restoring the crucial roadway.

A spokesperson from the traffic department told the news agency KNS that the traffic movement resumed along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, although slow-paced in the Ramsoo sector due to single-lane conditions and poor road surfaces.

Authorities, in collaboration with traffic police, spared no effort in the mission to reopen the national highway.

Early Friday morning, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) were permitted from both directions, with heavy vehicles regulated to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Significant damage to the road, resulting in single-lane stretches, was observed at Dalwas, Cafeteria-Mehad, and Gangroo between Nashri and Banihal tunnels.

The decision to reopen the highway came after the successful clearance of all stranded vehicles late Thursday.

The closure, which commenced on Monday, was necessitated by a series of landslides, mudslides, and rockfalls from the surrounding hills, obstructing the road at multiple points.

Wednesday saw improving weather conditions, enabling the mobilization of additional manpower and machinery by concerned agencies. This facilitated the partial reopening of the road for stranded vehicles. However, a substantial landslide at Kishtwari Pather required further clearance efforts before the highway was fully accessible to traffic on Thursday afternoon.

Earlier, the Jammu National Highway (NH-44) was partially restored for stranded traffic after NHAI prepared a single road stretch at various locations between Nashri and Banihal in Ramban district on Thursday afternoon.

Despite intermittent closures due to fresh landslides, efforts to clear the route continued, with around one dozen machines deployed at critical points. Senior Superintendent of Traffic Police National Highway Ramban, Rohit Baskotra, personally supervised the restoration operations, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The extensive damages suffered by National Highway 44, passing through the Ramban district, were attributed to heavy rains, leading to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones between Nashri and Banihal on Monday and Tuesday.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway serves as the vital lifeline of the Kashmir valley, representing the primary road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the nation. This crucial artery facilitates the transportation of essential supplies and commodities, playing a pivotal role in sustaining the region's economy and ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants.

The highway serves as the primary conduit for Kashmir-bound trucks laden with vital provisions and goods, ensuring the continuous flow of essential supplies into the valley. Moreover, it also acts as the primary route for fruit-carrying trucks originating from Kashmir, destined for various parts of the country.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway not only serves as a vital transportation route but also represents a lifeline for the Kashmir valley, connecting it with the broader national network and enabling the seamless exchange of goods and commerce essential for its sustenance and growth.

SRINAGAR — After facing a complete blockage due to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NHW-44) has been partially restored to single-way traffic, authorities confirmed.

An official quoted by a local news agency revealed that intensive efforts are underway to clear the affected stretch between Nashri and Banihal, focusing primarily on stranded vehicles.

Commuters are urged to exercise caution and adhere to lane discipline, especially in the critical area between Ramban and Banihal, where the risk of shooting stones persists.

Amid ongoing clearing operations, the J&K Traffic Police provided a update via their official X handle, indicating the partial restoration of the Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) to single-way traffic at 1615 hours.

Efforts are concentrated on clearing stranded vehicles between Nashri and Banihal, with commuters advised to drive cautiously due to potential hazards, including shooting stones, along the route.

SRINAGAR — The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was closed for traffic on Monday due to mudslides triggered by heavy rains in Ramban district, officials said here.

People have been asked to avoid travel on the highway till the weather improves.

"The traffic on Srinagar-Jammu highway has been closed for traffic due to mudslides at Mehad-Cafteria in Ramban and Tabela Chamalwass in Banihal area," an official of the traffic department said.

Authorities have stopped traffic at various places along the highway to avoid people getting stranded in vulnerable areas of the arterial road.

SRINAGAR — The Traffic Police Department of Kashmir issued a stern warning on Sunday, cautioning that obstructing ambulances could result in hefty fines or imprisonment for up to six months, as per a circular released by the department.

The circular, issued by the Traffic Police Department, emphasized the critical importance of ensuring unimpeded movement for ambulances during medical emergencies. Hospitals and healthcare facilities operating in the Kashmir Valley were advised to coordinate with the Traffic Police Control Room to facilitate the smooth passage of patients within the municipal limits of Srinagar.

The drivers of medical emergency vehicles and their attendants must maintain close communication with the Traffic Control Unit through the provided helpline numbers to ensure an unobstructed journey to the hospital, stated the circular.

Additionally, all road users were urged to yield to ambulances, particularly those transporting patients to referral hospitals. The circular underscored that failure to provide a clear passage for medical emergency vehicles constitutes a violation under Section 194E of the Motor Vehicle Act. The penalty for such violations includes a fine of Rs 10,000 and the possibility of imprisonment for a term of up to six months.

The announcement by the Traffic Police Department comes amid growing concerns over instances of ambulances being impeded by traffic congestion, thereby delaying crucial medical assistance to those in need.

SRINAGAR — The Srinagar-Kargil Highway has been shut down for traffic following a fresh snowfall that blanketed the Zojila Pass on Saturday. An official, while speaking to a local news agency, confirmed the closure, emphasizing the necessity to ensure the safety of travellers.

The decision to close the Srinagar-Kargil road was prompted by the fresh snow accumulation at Zojila, rendering the route unsafe for vehicular movement, as per the official's statement.

Reports indicate that numerous passenger vehicles and trucks are currently stationed at Sonamarg and on the Kargil side, awaiting authorization from the administration to resume their journeys.

The closure has inconvenienced many travellers, but authorities prioritize safety in adverse weather conditions, especially given the challenging terrain and the risk posed by heavy snowfall at the Zojila Pass.

Further updates regarding the reopening of the highway are expected following assessments by concerned authorities. Authorities urge travellers to exercise caution and monitor official communications for any developments regarding the reopening of the Srinagar-Kargil road for safe passage.

SRINAGAR — Authorities have mandated the suspension of traffic flow on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway for a consecutive six-hour period on two upcoming days to accommodate necessary construction operations.

The directive, disclosed by the District Administration Ramban, is aimed at facilitating the launching of girders at the Nashri, a significant infrastructure development project.

The ADC Ramban has approved a six-hour traffic halt on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for launching girders at MNB 19 and installing ventilation/jet fans in Tunnel 5. The halt is scheduled from 12:00 am to 6:00 am on December 21-22 and December 22-23, ensuring safety for travelers, in compliance with NHAI's directive.

The order further states, "Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, NHWs, Ramban, shall implement the above orders in letter and spirit."

PULWAMA — Following widespread public discontent and the publication of a news story on The Kashmir Pulse highlighting the chaotic situation caused by street vendors and wrong parking outside District Hospital Pulwama, the local administration has taken decisive action to address the issue.

The road leading to the main healthcare facility in Pulwama had been plagued by street vendors occupying the space with their three-wheeler load carriers and push-carts. This occupation created immense inconvenience for patients and commuters, obstructing the movement of vehicles and even hindering emergency services, resulting in potential delays in critical patient care.

After the story shed light on the matter, the local administration, prompted by the concerns raised by the public, swung into action to rectify the situation. The Traffic Police, responsible for enforcing traffic laws and managing traffic, devised a novel approach to deter wrong parking. In recent weeks, the cops have started penalizing those resorting to wrong parking by deflating their vehicle tires, effectively immobilizing the illegally parked vehicles.

The impact of this measure has been remarkable, with the road outside the District Hospital Pulwama now largely clear of encroachment. The concerted effort between the Traffic Police and the Municipal Committee Pulwama has successfully removed unauthorized vendors from obstructing the passage, bringing relief to local residents and patients visiting the healthcare facility.

When asked about the same, a Traffic policeman stated, “While our primary focus is to enforce traffic laws, we recognized that wrong parking was a significant issue affecting the smooth flow of traffic. We are duty-bound to ensure the easy access of vehicles to various routes.

Wishing anonymity, the cop, however, didn't speak about deflating the tires of vehicles parked in violation of regulations. Nevertheless, he added that the police aim to create a deterrent against such behaviour.

Owais Mushtaq (JKAS), Executive Officer (Incharge), Municipal Committee Pulwama, earlier affirmed that the road outside the district hospital has witnessed significant improvement. He had stated, “We have taken action against some auto-rickshaw drivers, and this has led to a largely clear road. The shopkeepers of the area can attest to the positive change.”

While the deflation of tires has proven to be an effective deterrent against wrong parking, district officials also acknowledged the need to address the overall problem of street vendors occupying public spaces. The district administration, in coordination with concerned authorities, aims to implement effective measures that strike a balance between the needs of street vendors and the welfare of the public.

Deflating Tyres: Move sparks discussions on legality and effectiveness

The recent implementation of deflating tyres as a deterrent against wrong parking outside the District Hospital Pulwama has sparked discussions on the legality and effectiveness of such measures in the parking enforcement scene. While parking fines and challans are already prevalent across the country, the practice of deflating tyres introduces a new approach to tackle the long-standing issue of wrong parking.

In cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR, parking fines can range from Rs. 500 to as high as Rs. 17,600 for various violations. However, the enforcement of these fines often faces challenges due to resource limitations and the lack of adequate technology. It becomes challenging for the police to monitor every parking situation effectively, leading to lax enforcement in many areas.

Given the growing number of vehicles on roads and the constant need for parking space, experts highlight the importance of encouraging people to use public transportation. To address parking woes, authorities must also consider implementing mechanisms such as raising parking fees, imposing congestion taxes, and restricting parking in specific areas.

The introduction of deflating tyres as a deterrent in Pulwama signifies a bold move by the local administration to take action against wrong parking and address the issue promptly. While some may question the legality of this approach, the effectiveness of the measure is evident as the road outside the District Hospital Pulwama has witnessed significant improvement in recent weeks, with fewer encroachments by unauthorized vendors.

As the district administration and traffic authorities continue to strive for a harmonious environment that ensures smooth traffic flow and convenience for patients, the initiative to deflate tyres sends a strong message to the wrong parkers. However, it also opens up discussions on the need for stricter parking regulations and the development of more comprehensive strategies to tackle the parking challenges.

SRINAGAR — Traffic Police on Tuesday declared the road stretch from Badyari Chowk Dalgate up to Nehru Park as a "No Halt Zone" for vehicles while warning the non-compliant will be towed besides the initiation of legal proceedings against them.

According to the news agency KNO, the city's Traffic Police said the move was to avoid congestion on the Boulevard and facilitate the movement of residents and tourists.

“In order to avoid congestion on Boulevard road and facilitate movement of residents and tourists, road stretch from Badyari Chowk Dalgate upto Nehru Park is declared as 'No Halt Zone' for vehicles. No vehicles shall be allowed to stop or park on this stretch,” Traffic Police tweeted.

It requested the people to use designated parking lots and warned that the non-compliance shall lead to towing of vehicles and the initiation of legal proceedings against the violators.

PULWAMA — The road leading to District Hospital Pulwama in the south Kashmir district has turned into a chaotic scene as street vendors occupy the space, causing immense inconvenience to both patients and traffic.

The road, meant to provide smooth access to the main healthcare facility, has become cluttered with three-wheeler load carriers and push-carts selling fruits and other goods. This occupation not only obstructs the movement of vehicles but also hampers emergency services, leading to potential delays in critical patient care.

The situation is particularly dire on holidays and Sundays when street vendors take advantage of what they perceive as a lack of vigilance from the district administration. Ignoring regulations and moral obligations, they indiscriminately park their push-carts, further shrinking the already congested road and exacerbating traffic congestion, ultimately resulting in frustrating traffic jams.

Local residents and patients visiting the hospital express their dissatisfaction with the ongoing predicament. "It's a nightmare to navigate through the road filled with street vendors. As if dealing with health issues isn't stressful enough, we are now subjected to additional hurdles due to the traffic congestion caused by these unauthorized vendors," complains Suhail Mir, a patient's relative.

Another local resident, Jahangeer Bhat, voices her concerns, saying, "The district hospital is a crucial healthcare facility, and it is disheartening to witness its surroundings in such disarray. It is imperative for the district administration to address this issue promptly for the well-being of both patients and the general public."

When contacted, DySP Traffic, Mudasir Tramboo said that the mandate of Traffic Police is to enforce traffic laws and manage traffic. "It is not our mandate to move the street vendors from one place to another. However, we can definitely take action against wrong parking," he added.

Responding to the prevailing situation, the President of Municipal Committee Pulwama, Bilal Ahmad Rather assured swift action to alleviate the problem.

While speaking to The Kashmir Pulse, he affirms, "We acknowledge the inconvenience faced by patients and commuters due to the presence of street vendors outside the District Hospital Pulwama. We are committed to resolving this issue promptly and have already taken action against them. We will ensure strict enforcement of regulations to restore the smooth flow of traffic and provide an unhindered passage for patients accessing the hospital."

Another district official, who didn't want to be named, also emphasizes the importance of adhering to established norms, stating, "The district administration will work in coordination with concerned authorities to implement effective measures that strike a balance between the needs of street vendors and the welfare of the public. We aim to create a harmonious environment where the road outside the District Hospital Pulwama remains free from any obstructions, allowing uninterrupted movement of traffic and ensuring the well-being of patients."

As patients continue to face hardships and traffic woes persist outside the District Hospital Pulwama, local residents hope that the district administration's assurance translates into tangible actions, bringing about a resolution to this pressing issue.

SRINAGAR — In view of the forth-coming Amarnath Yatra, all the tankers and empty vehicles from Jammu will be allowed via Mughal road only.

An order issued by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said the downside movement of fruit-laden trucks and other vehicles is being hampered and requires to be given priority.

“In view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2023 and taking into account the condition of National Highway-44, besides, the erratic weather which is leading to frequent landslide and shooting stones. The downside movement of fruit-laden trucks and other vehicles is being hampered and requires to be given priority,” the order reads.

Accordingly, all tankers of Petrol, Diesel and LPG bulk gas; all empty LPG cylinder carrying trucks; all empty vehicles of FCI and any other vehicle having up to 10-tyres while returning to Jammu shall only use Mughal Road.

“In view of the above, you are enjoined up to impress upon the concerned to follow directions immediately. The Mughal Road will remain open for vehicular traffic from morning 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM," the order reads.

“Any violation of the same may attract punitive action from Traffic Police. Action taken report shall reach immediately,” the order reads.

JAMMU — The Mughal Road, connecting Kashmir valley's Shopian district with the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, was partially reopened for vehicular traffic after it was blocked for six days due to a landslide here, officials said.

"Debris from the landslides has been cleared partially and vehicular traffic has been restored at the affected place," the officials said.

On May 31, heavy rains triggered a major landslide on Mughal Road near Ratta Chamb bridge, blocking traffic movement in the region.