Uttarakhand News: Nainital, a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, is grappling with traffic chaos due to a surge in tourist numbers, especially during weekends and holidays. To address this issue, the Uttarakhand High Court has directed the district administration to devise a long-term solution for smooth traffic flow in the city.
Overcrowded Nainital
The court noted that Nainital witnesses an influx of over 2,000 light motor vehicles on weekends and holidays, causing congestion. This problem is further compounded by insufficient parking spaces. The largest parking area in Nainital, Flat Ground, can only accommodate a mere 250 vehicles.
High Court proposes trial run for one-way traffic
In a bid to ease traffic congestion, the court has proposed a trial plan. Tourist vehicles entering Nainital via Haldwani and Bhowali will be directed to exit through Kaladungi Road. The District Magistrate (DM) Vandana Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prahlad Narayan Meena have been directed to oversee the implementation of this trial and submit a status report along with suggestions for permanent solutions.
Lack of Parking Facilities
The court also highlighted the absence of proper parking facilities in most hotels in Nainital. Tourists are forced to park their vehicles on roadsides, leading to traffic jams and inconvenience for both locals and visitors.
Curbing Air and Noise Pollution
The High Court expressed concern about the rising air and noise pollution caused by increased traffic in Nainital. This pollution not only inconveniences residents but also deters tourists from enjoying the pristine beauty of the hill station.
