JAMMU, Sep 2: Team Motor Parts Dealers Association (MPDA), Transport Nagar, Jammu, under the presidentship of Rajinder Parshad Kakkar, convened an emergency meeting to discuss pressing issues concerning the development and civic infrastructure of Transport Nagar.
During the meeting, members unanimously decided to highlight their concerns through the print and electronic media, describing the media as the fourth pillar of democracy, so that the higher authorities take prompt notice and initiate time-bound remedial measures with adequate funding.
The association primarily raised two major demands. The first concerns the approach road to Transport Nagar from the Divisional Commissioner’s Office, particularly the underpass portion passing beneath the railway lines. The association said the road has remained a major inconvenience for commuters for several years due to heavy and continuous traffic. It pointed out that only a small stretch of around 100 metres has been covered with interlocking tiles, which, according to the members, is inadequate to withstand the load of heavy and congested traffic.
The association further highlighted the condition of the nallahs on both sides of the road, alleging that stagnant and polluted water flows through them throughout the year. It demanded that the entire stretch be properly concretised/metalled and equipped with adequate street lighting to improve traffic movement, road safety and the overall environment.
The second major demand was for a strict and sustained anti-encroachment drive on the main roads of Transport Nagar and across all seven yards. The association alleged that roadside eateries and kiosks, permanently parked junked vehicles and scrap material occupying road space were creating hurdles in the smooth flow of traffic.
The members also raised concerns over vehicles parked on roads for repairs and car dealers displaying vehicles for sale on public roads, allegedly resulting in frequent traffic congestion. The association called for separate and clearly defined policies for the ISBT, Truck Terminal and Car Market, along with strict enforcement of rules against unauthorised roadside parking and encroachments.
MPDA demanded a large-scale and repeated anti-encroachment drive through a coordinated effort involving Traffic Police, JDA Enforcement, Jammu Municipal Corporation and law-and-order agencies. It stressed that the drive should be implemented impartially and without any outside influence to ensure free movement of traffic and proper utilisation of public spaces.
After concluding the meeting, members of Team MPDA also organised a plantation drive in Transport Nagar, Jammu, reaffirming their commitment towards improving the environment and overall condition of the commercial area.