City Beautiful to be car-free on March 13

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 24

The UT Administration has decided to observe a car-free day on March 13 from 7 am to 2 pm. The decision was taken at a meeting of senior officers held today under the chairmanship of UT Adviser Vijay Kumar Dev.

However, vehicles used for important services have been exempted. These include buses, LPG autos and vehicles of those who have a security threat. A road map and plan for the car-free day will be issued in newspapers, on the radio, other media and shared online on mygov.in to seek a feedback and suggestions for better planning.

Dev said the aim of observing the car-free day was to motivate people to opt for public transport and cycles and avoid taking cars for inter-sector work and get adapted to walking and running.

This would not only reduce traffic congestion and check the problem of parking space, it would also inspire more and more people to opt for alternative and healthier transport modes, said Dev.

Earlier, the Administration was planning to hold a car-free day on February 28, but in view of marriages and examinations falling on this date, it decided to observe it in March.

Manish Chaudhary, SSP (Traffic), said it would be mandatory for all to observe the car-free day. An order in this regard would be issued by the District Commissioner under Section 144.

Outstation vehicles will be provided a pass at entry points to pass through Chandigarh. He said adequate public transport arrangements would be made by the Administration. Marathons, painting competitions and cultural events will be organised on the occasion to make people aware of the importance of observing a car-free day.

The Administration will request Punjab and Haryana not to hold any examinations in Chandigarh on March 13.

For the success of the initiative, the Administration plans to introduce more buses to augment public transport so that commuters do not face problems. An awareness campaign will also be launched to encourage residents to support the scheme.

In the meeting, officers from Mohali and Panchkula also agreed to extend all possible help for the success of the initiative.