[sustran] UT to make Sector 17 vehicle-free

[Asija, Navdeep]

The Chandigarh Administration has decided in principle to make Sector 17 a
vehicle free zone. This, will be done in phases by the Administration. To
work out the modalities and take the opinions of shopkeepers and relevant
parties, the Administration today sought time to apprise the High Court of
its final decision.
The development took place during the resumed hearing of a public interest
litigation (PIL) arising of a suo motu notice taken by the *High Court on a
news item published by The Indian Express, which had highlighted the
significance of eco-cabs and environment-friendly cabs, innovated by
Fazilka resident Navdeep Asija.*

Senior standing counsel for the UT Administration Sanjay Kaushal informed
the High Court of the development. A division bench headed by Justice Surya
Kant, however, expressed strong disapproval over the bureaucratic attitude
of the Administration in not making certain Sectors vehicle-free zones. The
High Court today made it clear that if the Administration fails to take a
concrete decision in making Sector 17 a vehicle-free zone by April 1,
necessary directions will be passed by it.

On the last date of hearing, the HC had asked the UT counsel to reply on
why Sector 17 should not be made a vehicle-free zone after 4 pm. The bench
had suggested that no vehicles should be allowed to enter the Sector 17
market after 4 pm from Lyon’s restaurant (from the Sector 15 side) to Sahab
Singh (from the Sector 18 side).

Kaushal today submitted that the UT has taken the decision to make Sector
17 vehicle-free but in phases. He said, alternative parking space, consent
of shopkeepers and other relevant parties would have to be taken into
account before taking a final decision in this regard.

The case has been posted for resumed hearing on March 21, the day the UT
will submit its final response.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ut-to-make-sector-17-vehiclefree/921535/0