Fresh order declaring GMC approach road as no parking zone issued

Baramulla, Nov 29: For the second time in a year, the Baramulla District Magistrate has declared the entire approach road from the National Highway to the Associated Hospital of Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla as a no parking zone.

The fresh order, issued in pursuance of Section 122 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Section 144 of the CrPC, follows repeated complaints from visitors about the persistent blockage caused by illegal parking and street vendors along the stretch.

A similar order was issued in December 2023 but failed to resolve the problem due to poor implementation, raising concerns about the authorities’ commitment to address the issue.

The blocked road has frequently disrupted the smooth travel of patients, ambulances, and other vehicles, causing significant inconvenience.

The latest order tasks the Tehsildar Baramulla, Executive Officer of the Municipal Council Baramulla, and Station House Officer of Baramulla Police Station with ensuring strict compliance.

They have been directed to remove illegally parked vehicles, makeshift stalls, and other obstructions from the road. The visitors to the associated hospital GMC Baramulla, have expressed frustration over the lack of action on the previous order, prompting the urgency for authorities to issue the new directive.

“This time, the order must be implemented in letter and spirit to prevent further hardships for patients and visitors,” demanded a local resident.

A visitor to the hospital said that had the previous order been implemented strictly, the number of street vendors on the approach road would not have multiplied.

"The entire approach road is in a mess. This approach road stretch often remains blocked due to the narrow space left for the navigation of transport following encroachment of the road," said Farooq Ahmad.

"The administration this time must implement the order religiously so that visitors to the hospital do not face hardships," added Ahmad.