In response to the escalating traffic chaos in Nainital due to a surge in tourist numbers during weekends and holidays, the Uttarakhand high court has directed the district administration to devise a long-term solution for the issue.
Directing Haldwani district magistrate (DM) Vandana Singh and senior superintendent of police (SSP) Prahlad Narayan Meena to present a status report and propose future strategies, the court scheduled the next hearing for April 2.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Ritu Bahri noted that the city grapples with an influx of over 2,000 light motor vehicles on weekends and holidays. Insufficient parking capacity exacerbates the issue, with the largest parking area, Flat Ground, accommodating a mere 250 vehicles.
The court said the DM and the SSP, with the assistance of the transport department, may allow tourist vehicles to enter Nainital via Haldwani and Bhowali and exit through Kaladungi Road on a trial basis. The court asked both officers to submit a status report and provide suggestions for planning. The court highlighted the absence of parking facilities in most hotels, forcing tourists to occupy roadside spaces, a primary cause of traffic congestion and inconvenience to both locals and visitors. The HC also expressed concerns over the air and noise pollution stemming from vehicular activities, which inconvenience residents and tourists alike.
Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden at the foothills of Zabarwan Hills in Srinagar will bloom with 17 lakh flowers of different varieties this year and will be thrown open for visitors on March 23. Addressing the officers, the Div Com directed the concerned officer of Floriculture to facilitate online ticketing and put QR Code scanning facilities at different locations for the convenience of tourists.
