Open session on hill traffic

VIVEK CHHETRI, TT, 21 Aug 2019, Darjeeling: Darjeeling police have decided to organise an "open" brainstorming session involving the public and other stakeholders like government officials to seek suggestions to improve traffic in town.

The open air session will be held at Chowrasta here on Saturday.

"One of the greatest challenges faced by Darjeeling as a town is the issue of traffic," said Rahul Pandey, DSP (town), Darjeeling.

The officer said the police had been deliberating on the issue and identifying problems and probable remedies.

"It (solving traffic woes) is a very complex issue…..a plan only prepared by the police and without consulting the general public will not be effective. Keeping this in mind, we have decided to organise an open brainstorming session to discuss the problem and invite ideas," said Pandey.

The police had recently started towing vehicles that obstruct two-way traffic in town.

Lack of space, poor planning and absence of consciousness among the public are considered to be the root cause of the problem.

Citing an instance, a resident said: "When the town is grappling for space, our planners and local government have set up shops on the top floor of a parking space near Darjeeling Government College." The top floor of the parking space is the most accessible floor in the seven-storied parking plaza from Lebong Cart Road.

The police have also sought suggestion through social media and following are some of the proposals given by few individuals. Take strict action against drivers who stop vehicles in the middle of the road to pick or drop passengers Explore the possibility of creating parking lots outside town Ensure that passengers board vehicles at the parking plaza and not in town Make it mandatory for hotels and other commercial establishments to create parking space Encourage bike taxis Darjeeling zoo should create its own parking space New parking space could be explored beside Darjeeling SDO office and rooftop parking at Darjeeling Motor Stand Taxis should not be allowed to park in the town from morning to evening Put a check on taxi syndicates, minimise the space allotted for them and strengthen public transport Many residents also told The Telegraph that efforts should be made to allot parking space for private cars and bikes.

"While it is important to address the traffic problem, authorities should also ensure that enough pathways are created in Darjeeling," said another resident.