Time to act on increasing import

There has been a steep increase in the import of vehicles from neighbouring states of Jammu and Kashmir, which further toughens the situation for the men guarding the roads to streamline the traffic in the Union Territory. Already, the number of vehicles registered in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Srinagar are increasing at a rapid pace, thus further adding to the congestion on the roads here. The frequent traffic mess that is being witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir areas is testimony to the fact that the number of vehicles is increasing with each passing day, but since the import of vehicles from neighbouring states goes unabated, the roads here are further getting congested, which simultaneously pushes the department concerned to wall while streamlining the traffic here. However, the measures being taken in this regard are quite appreciable as the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir has formally requested the Transport Commissioner Jammu and Kashmir, proposing the introduction of an environmental cess on second hand vehicles older than 10 years at the time of allocation of J&K registration marks. The letter highlights the alarming increase in older, environmentally detrimental vehicles entering the region, particularly in the cities of Srinagar and Jammu, where traffic congestion and parking shortages have reached critical levels. Therefore, the concerned must take steps in the right directions at this juncture so that the things could be settled well on the ground and the number of vehicles on the roads could be reduced by following the proper procedure.