Remove rickshaws and ply mini buses in Chandni Chowk in 4 weeks

New Delhi, July 26 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today directed the Delhi authorities to remove the riskshaws and ply environment-friendly mini buses in four weeks in Chandni Chowk area to decongest the historic market, which was established by Moghul emperor Shah Jehan 300 years ago.

A division bench of acting Chief Justice Vijender Jain and Justice Kailash Gambhir asked the authorities-Delhi Government, MCD and CPWD-- to introduce the mini buses from Lal Qilla square to Fatehpuri Masjid on a circular route.

While hearing a PIL for overall development of the capital, the bench directed the authorities to remove the eight shops on the Ring Raod at Narayana for the better interest of the public.

''The eight shops selling furniture and other goods on the 0.350 sq m land create inconvenience and they should be removed after negotiating with them,'' said the order.

The status report was filed by the Hemraj Committee stating various steps needed for the overall development of the city.

The Court endorsed the suggestion to build a flyover at Badarpur on Mathura Road for the smooth flow of traffic.

The Bench suggested that instead of building an overbridge, the government should construct a flyover with cloverleaf and slip roads.

The court asked the MCD to file in affidavit the policy of issuance of licence for plying rickhaw in the capital within four days.

''Licence is given to the people, who exploit the poor. If the MCD could impound 60,000 unauthorised rickshaws between April 1, 2005 and June 2006, one could imagine how many rickshaws are plying in the city,'' observed the Judges.

Adjourning the matter for Septemebr 6, the Court directed the authorities to give the guidelines to all the police stations to regulate the traffic during religious, marriage and political processions.

UNI PAT LL RAI2001