HC closes PIL on traffic congestion due to Smart City Project 

Srinagar, Mar 15: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh Friday closed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that had sought the court’s intervention about what was stated as serious traffic congestion and pollution due to various works being undertaken under the Smart City Project in the Srinagar

Closing the PIL, a division bench of Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice M A Chowdhary directed the authorities to examine a representation filed by the petitioners, who are residents of Peerbagh and Hyderpora.

In their representation submitted to the government authorities on December 7, 2023, the petitioners stated that the constructions undertaken under the Smart City Project whereby cycle tracks, walkways, and link roads are being constructed are creating serious traffic congestion and pollution.

“We are of the view that since the petitioners have submitted a representation to the competent authority, the same will be examined by the authorities so that the difficulties of the public are addressed,” the bench said.

It, accordingly, disposed of the PIL with the direction that the representation submitted by the petitioners to the Chief Secretary be disposed of expeditiously preferably within four weeks from the date a copy of this order is made available.

However, the court held that the petitioner was at liberty to approach this court again, “if the cause survives”.