Srinagar, July 1: The Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) will enforce a pilot odd-even scheme for all four-wheelers entering the hill resort from July 5, its chief executive said on Wednesday, as the tourist destination grapples with mounting traffic jams and parking shortages.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener Tariq Hussain Naik, CEO of the GDA, said the administration had been deliberating on measures to improve the carrying capacity and road infrastructure of Gulmarg, which has seen a sharp rise in tourist footfall in recent weeks.
“Gulmarg is a favourite destination not only for domestic tourists but also for foreigners, and our local people from J&K also want to visit,” Naik said. “The administration has been thinking for a long time about what steps we can take to improve the carrying capacity, road infrastructure, and parking.”
Under the pilot, which will remain in force till August 5, private and commercial vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits will be allowed on odd calendar dates, while even-ending numbers will be permitted on even dates. The restrictions will apply daily from 8 am to 8 pm, with freight and goods vehicles exempted.
Naik said the authority is open to suggestions from all stakeholders. “We are still in the infancy stage. We want this to be implemented and the message should reach as many people as possible,” he said.
The traffic police, civil police, and motor vehicles department will monitor the scheme’s impact on traffic flow and tourist convenience.
“We will try to get as much traffic to Gulmarg as we can, but in a regulated manner,” Naik added.
The GDA in this regard also issued an order which noted that the surge in vehicular traffic has resulted in congestion, deteriorating air quality, and stress on the fragile alpine ecosystem.
All enforcement agencies have been directed to extend necessary cooperation for smooth implementation, the order said. Authorities will review the month-long data before taking a final call on extending the measure the order further reads.
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