HC slams traffic brigade for phone use; cites most complaints from Ghatlodia-Bodakdev areas

A hearing was conducted in the Gujarat High Court on the issues of stray cattle, bad roads, and traffic problems. The petitioner stated that the government has announced a helpline, 1800 233 11 22, to address traffic issues. The government informed that, so far, 444 complaints have been received through this number, which have been forwarded to the relevant departments and reviewed. There are plans to use this number for complaints about bad roads, encroachments, and stray cattle as well. Work is also being done on the e-Nagar mobile app, and complaints can be sent via email to trafficgrievance@gov.in. The petitioner raised concerns about unauthorized construction in parking areas and the government’s approval of these through fees. The court observed that traffic brigade personnel are often seen on their phones, and strict action is needed in two zones. The petitioner noted that most traffic complaints come from the VIP zones of Ghatlodiya-Bodakdev, and officials are not taking enough action outside of meetings.

Parking Problems Are a Serious Issue

The petitioner pointed out that traffic issues are caused by encroachments and unauthorized parking. Parking areas are often used for other purposes, and first, unauthorized activities in parking areas must be stopped. Due to encroachments on footpaths, people walk on the roads, which is a serious problem. West Ahmedabad is continuously expanding, and like New Mumbai, vertical expansion will now occur. The petitioner suggested that traffic regulations should be implemented zone by zone in Ahmedabad so that other zones are aware of what will happen next. Implementation should not be a matter of choice for the authorities but mandatory. Removing encroachments would free up space for parking. The parking issue should be resolved just like the stray cattle problem was.

Results Should Not Be Only on Paper

Unauthorized construction in parking areas cannot be regularized. In shopping complexes, shops are built in parking spaces. Results should not be limited to paper. The responsibility lies with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s estate department to remove road encroachments. Schools, restaurants, theaters, etc., must have parking facilities within their buildings so that no parking occurs outside in public areas. It is the building owner’s responsibility to ensure visitors don’t park on the road. Even after obtaining BU permission, encroachments occur in building parking areas, and many buildings don’t even have BU permission.

Government Circulars Are Not Implementing Court Directives

According to government policy, unauthorized construction can be regularized by paying a fee until September 2023. Such circulars were issued in 2001, 2011, and 2023. Court directives are not being implemented through government circulars. In 2018, over ₹2.50 crore in fines were collected for unauthorized parking in Ahmedabad. Two traffic police stations were opened on SG Highway to address traffic issues, and 238 employees were assigned. The court was informed that unauthorized parking on service roads is not allowed. Problems should be resolved permanently, not temporarily. While people lodge complaints on the helpline, the authorities must take action. Parking is not permitted within 50 meters of traffic junctions.

Unauthorized Parking Still Seen at Kargil Junction Today

The government stated that a meeting was held on September 2 with DCP and other officials. The DCP himself also visits the field. Interceptor vehicles have been increased on SG Highway, and accidents have reduced. Traffic problems have decreased, but the petitioner pointed out that unauthorized parking is still visible at Kargil Junction. Four constables are stationed at Chanakyapuri Bridge Circle but are not visible on the road. The court remarked that it has also observed that traffic brigade personnel gather together and only take action after traffic jams occur. Thus, lower-level employees need proper instructions as they are often seen on their phones. The court’s friend noted that traffic personnel only work when the Chief Justice and other judges’ cars pass by in the morning, after which they become lax.

No Report Filed Since 2018 on Compliance with Directives

The petitioner stated that the Commissioner of Police and the Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner have never met regarding this issue. After drives are conducted, everything returns to how it was before. The court emphasized the need for regular meetings and that work should not stop when officials change. The petitioner mentioned that since 2018, no report has been filed on compliance with directives from the state. The court asked the government when the complaint center’s full work would be completed, as 444 complaints were received in just 10 days. The fact that hearings on traffic issues are held before three High Court benches indicates there is a problem. The petitioner also mentioned that complaints are not being addressed on the helpline, and the person responding doesn’t even provide their name.

Recommendation to Monitor Traffic via Satellite

The court’s friend suggested that the Advocate General investigate the reasons for the failure to resolve the issue. Experts are needed to resolve the issue, and instead of deploying individuals to monitor violations, cameras should be installed. Most complaints come from the VIP zones of Ghatlodia and Bodakdev, where 740 VIPs reside. There is a need for technical experts to solve the problem, as authorities are incapable of making decisions. Leaders and officials are not needed to solve these problems, but technological experts are. Four years ago, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation created a parking policy. Ahmedabad is a smart city and a metro city, so the Gujarat Road Safety Authority Act 2018 applies to it. Officials aren’t taking any action outside of meetings, and the court’s friend gave examples from southern states, recommending satellite monitoring for traffic.

A Roadmap for Implementing Traffic Rules Should Be Prepared

The court, based on the recommendations of the court’s friend, directed the Advocate General to investigate the reasons for the failure. The court’s friend suggested that the management of the helpline should operate like Helpline 108. It was also stated that unauthorized matters can be resolved, but not illegal ones. There is also corruption in BU permissions. Even Google Maps can now indicate where traffic is congested. The court instructed the authorities to prepare a roadmap for implementing traffic rules in one area of East Ahmedabad and one area of West Ahmedabad. This roadmap should be presented before the court in the hearing scheduled for the following week.