Allahabad High Court Takes Stern Action on Lucknow School Traffic Crisis
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has raised serious alarms regarding the severe traffic congestion and critical safety risks that plague the vicinity of numerous girls' schools across the city during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times. Highlighting a specific case at AP Sen Memorial Girls PG College on Station Road, Charbagh, the court has mandated immediate governmental intervention.
Court Directives and Summons Issued
In a decisive move, the bench has instructed the state counsel to thoroughly investigate the ongoing issues and present a detailed report on the measures implemented by the next scheduled hearing. Furthermore, to address the persistent traffic problems encircling prominent educational institutions, the court has officially summoned the Director General of Police (Traffic) to appear at the next session. The DGP is expected to provide expert recommendations and actionable solutions to mitigate the chaos.
The judicial panel has also called upon representatives from Lucknow's noted schools to submit their proposals and suggestions through an appointed amicus curiae, ensuring that all stakeholders contribute to resolving this pressing public safety concern. The next hearing in this critical matter is firmly scheduled for February 17.
Background of the Public Interest Litigation
This judicial scrutiny stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Gomti River Bank Residents Welfare Association. Presided over by Justice Alok Mathur and Justice BR Singh, the bench has been vigilantly monitoring not only the general safety of school children but specifically the traffic nightmares exacerbated by excessive vehicle parking near school gates as parents drop off their children.
In adherence to prior court orders, representatives from several prestigious institutions, including CMS Station Road, CMS Gomti Nagar Extension, CMS Gomti Nagar-I, Seth MR Jaipuria School, La Martiniere Girls College, and Loreto Convent Intermediate College, presented their submissions. These presentations outlined potential strategies to alleviate traffic congestion near their campuses, with some schools explicitly requesting assistance from the state government and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation.
Previous Recommendations Ignored
During the proceedings, the bench noted with disappointment that its earlier suggestion for schools to facilitate on-premises parking for parents' vehicles had not been implemented in either letter or spirit. This oversight has significantly contributed to the ongoing traffic gridlock and safety hazards, prompting the court to adopt a more stringent and interventionist approach to ensure compliance and effective resolution.
The court's proactive stance underscores a growing judicial commitment to safeguarding student welfare and ensuring urban mobility in Lucknow, setting a precedent for similar issues in other metropolitan areas across the state.
