The Orissa High Court while disposing of a PIL petition filed by journalist Prasant Kumar Das against Union of India and others (represented through Secretary, Department of ESW), in its order on March 7 directed the OP Director, Canteen Services, Government of India, to consider the representation dated 21.1.2022 of petitioner Das and to pass a reasoned order not later than April 25 and communicate the order to the petitioner not later than May 2.
Petitioner Das in public interest had filed a petition before the HC seeking its direction to the OPs (Union of India and three others) to remove illegal and unruly parking of vehicles of the visitors of Army AD Center that causes continuous traffic jam, road blockage, accidents and noise pollution in the vicinity.
He alleged negligence and inaction of the OPs in the residential area of New Barracks Street under BeMC jurisdiction.
According to information available, the parking of a large number of vehicles of the visitors of the Army AD Centre (URC) Extension Counter located in the busiest Barracks Street in Old Bus stand area of the city has been creating a serious traffic problem between Gandhi Nagar square and Old bus dtand, causing serious inconveniences to the commuters and residents.
Notably, the customers who come to the Army store every day are mostly ex-army personnel who park their vehicles in the 30 feet wide public road causing traffic jam.
As an alternative measure to decongest the area, the local residents had suggested through their representations several times that store customers be allowed to park their vehicles inside the premises of AD Center, but not on the public road and keep its main gate open from southern side which is a non-residential area.
It may be noted that, with rise in population, commercial establishments and flow of both heavy and light vehicles, the Barracks Street is witnessing a huge traffic these days, posing a threat to security of school going children and senior citizens besides affecting the peace and privacy of the local residents.