Srinagar: The ARTO Srinagar was unable to enforce its decision to clear Kohnkhan, Dalgate of unauthorised taxi parking citing shortage of personnel.
Reacting to a report in the Kashmir Observer ARTO had assured action in 48 hours on Saturday but he expressed his inability to take action saying the department, which was not having the sufficient staff, needs two more days.
As already reported, local traders and residents allege that Kohnkhan has become a den of illegal activities with alcohol and drugs openly on sale. Locals accuse outside drivers who park their vehicles there of being involved in the trade.
Some concerned locals said that a significant number of youth make a beeline to the shikarawalas and the unauthorised taxi stand every night to purchase drugs and liquor. They accused law enforcement agencies of being hand in glove with the non-local drivers and the shikarawalas.
When contacted, the ARTO Srinagar, Mr. Wajahat Ahmad, who had promised to take swift action regarding the unauthorised stand said that he had no workers. Nearly seventeen workers are on leave. There is no checking squad available right now. Workers will be available by tomorrow. So we need two more days to take proper action.
When asked how the permission for these taxi stands is given, he said, Srinagar Development Authority gives the permission for parking spaces and we notify it. If we find that the stand is illegal, we will definitely take swift action.
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