Directing the Union Government to file its reply on suggestions submitted by Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) for decongestion of Chandni Chowk area, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday listed the matter for hearing on July 3. CAIT had moved NGT seeking a modification in its March 16 order banning loading and unloading in “congested markets” in Delhi.
A Bench headed by Justice UD Salvi heard the matter on Monday and directed the Union Government to file its reply on suggestions submitted by CAIT in the tribunal for decongestion of Chandni Chowk area in Delhi. Advocate Shilpi Jain appeared on behalf of CAIT in the tribunal.
In its petition, CAIT has urged the tribunal to modify its March 16 order citing that loading and unloading of goods is “incidental to any form of business” and therefore, it may be allowed from 11 am to 6 pm in Delhi markets.
Claiming to share concern for safe environment, the traders said that they are ready to cooperate. The CAIT in its suggestions submitted to tribunal has urged that parking be allowed only in one line on both sides of the road.
“light Goods Vehicle (lGV) and others not more than four wheels may load or unload material in such parking place. They will leave the road immediately after loading or unloading the material,” suggested CAIT.
CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal also suggested that Chandni Chowk be converted into a one-way traffic zone and that vehicles entering from Red Fort in Chandni Chowk may pass through Fatehpuri and Kauria Pul.
He further said that service line behind Red Fort may be converted into a parking lot and battery buses and other feeder means may be made available to commuter to any part of Chandni Chowk from such a parking lot. “It will help in removing the traffic jam issue and will also help in maintaining a safe environment,” he said.
Khandelwal also said that CAIT will soon convene a meeting of trade associations of Chandni Chowk, in association with Delhi Hindustani Mercantile Association, for more suggestions. “All such suggestions will be submitted to the tribunal,” he said.