Shimla's Vehicle Crisis: High Court Intervenes to Save Walking Culture
Shimla, once renowned for its pedestrian-friendly allure, now grapples with a vehicle crisis. With over 1.18 lakh registered cars and inadequate parking, the hill station struggles to balance the needs of walkers and drivers. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has intervened, expressing concern over the city's crumbling civic amenities and chaotic traffic.
Retired Deputy Controller Ishwar Verma and other senior citizens are among the few who still walk in Shimla, carrying umbrellas and traditional Himachali caps. They recall a time when children walked to school, not adding to the congestion and pollution that now plagues the city. Rakeshwar Lall Sood, a city veteran, remembers Shimla's past glory, where pedestrians reigned supreme.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state's Home Secretary and Shimla SSP to file a status report on sealed-road passes issued in Shimla. The Court's intervention comes amidst growing concerns about the city's vehicular congestion, haphazard parking, and fading walking culture. Sambhav Bhasin, the petitioner, raised issues about garbage management, cleanliness, and the increasing number of two-wheelers in Shimla. Residents lament the loss of Shimla's pedestrian-friendly charm, replaced by congestion, honking, and pollution.
Official records show over 1.18 lakh registered cars in Shimla, with the actual number of moving vehicles believed to be much higher. The Court has raised concerns about Shimla's crumbling civic amenities and the threat to its walking culture due to unchecked traffic and poor civic management. Narinder Sachar, a theatre and film actor, expressed frustration at the increase in cars in Shimla, threatening its walking culture. Despite the challenges, the heart of Shimla belongs to the pedestrians, where their rights are clearly defined.
Shimla's vehicle crisis highlights the need for better civic management and parking facilities. The Himachal Pradesh High Court's intervention signals a step towards addressing these issues. With the city's unique charm at stake, it is crucial to find a balance that respects the rights of both walkers and drivers.
