The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the traffic police and BMC to install CCTV cameras in bylanes of Kalbadevi area, in addition to those installed at main junctions, to ease traffic and pedestrian movement in the area.
A division bench of acting chief justice Naresh Patil and justice Girish Kulkarni said, "Install CCTV cameras, ensure policemen are deployed, make their presence felt to the crowd, as there will be high footfalls for shopping during this festive season."
The bench also suggested that action be taken against illegal hawkers and cart owners, and that shop keepers be sensitised by the traffic police to help ease the heavy traffic pressure in the area.
Government pleader PH Kantharia submitted a report on behalf of the traffic police which stated that separate one-sided parking lanes with proper marking be provided on all roads of Kalbadevi. Restriction on parking duration or prohibition for certain hours is implemented. Odd-even dates parking is notified on seven important roads. Various other short-term and medium-term measures are also being undertaken in coordination with the civic body, he said.
The report was submitted while hearing a PIL filed by an activist, Rajkumar Shukla, who had highlighted the problem of traffic congestion in the area. Earlier, the traffic department had given a plan to the court regarding steps it would take to reduce traffic congestion. The report signed by joint commissioner (traffic) Amitesh Kumar, additional municipal commissioner, Vijay Singhal and associate professor, IIT, Bombay, P Vedagiri, listed out several measures to be implemented. The short-term measures which mostly pertain to traffic regulation are already being implemented. The medium term measures pertain to size of footpaths and making them more pedestrian-friendly, and introduction of mini buses for movement within the area.
