Delegation of Transport Unions Meets SDM and SDPO Mendhar Over Bus Stand Parking, Lawful Operations and Public Hardship

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

ALTAF HUSSAIN

MENDHAR JAN, 12:-A delegation comprising representatives of various transport unions, led by DDC Headquarter Mendhar Er. Wajid Bashir Khan (Ticko) and the President of the Taxi Union, met with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mendhar and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Mendhar to raise serious concerns regarding the operation and parking of Tata Sumo vehicles and mini taxis at the Mendhar Bus Stand, along with the growing hardship being faced by the general public.

The meeting witnessed the participation of hundreds of drivers, reflecting the seriousness of the issue and its direct impact on the livelihoods of transport workers as well as on public transport services. The delegation demanded that Tata Sumo and mini taxi vehicles be allowed to operate from the Mendhar Bus Stand in a regulated and lawful manner, stating that the current uncertainty has disrupted smooth transport movement.

An important issue highlighted during the meeting was the severe inconvenience being faced by the general public, particularly patients, elderly persons, women and daily commuters. The delegation stated that due to mismanagement and restrictions at the bus stand, people are being forced to walk long distances to reach the bus stand and nearby market areas. This situation has caused serious suffering to patients visiting hospitals, who often find it extremely difficult to walk such distances due to illness or physical weakness.

After listening to the delegation, the SDM Mendhar stated that the issue is a matter of law and assured that any decision taken by the administration will strictly be in accordance with legal provisions. He emphasized that public land must be used in an organized and lawful manner, keeping public interest in view.

The SDPO Mendhar stated that no agent is legally authorized to collect commission from any driver unless valid and approved parking documents are available. He said that if any agent is collecting commission, they must produce proper parking documents within two days. After this period, the administration will take appropriate action. He further clarified that no one is above the law and illegal practices will not be tolerated.

DDC Headquarter Mendhar Er. Wajid Bashir Khan (Ticko) clarified that drivers should not be termed as encroachers, as they are paying Rs 50 per day as parking fees to a contractor who has been officially notified by the BDO Mendhar. He urged the administration to acknowledge this fact and ensure that genuine drivers are not harassed.

Er. Wajid Bashir Khan further demanded strict action against those who have illegally encroached upon bus stand land as well as hospital land, stating that such encroachments are the real cause of traffic chaos and public inconvenience. He emphasized that removal of illegal encroachments will improve access for patients and the general public.

Assuring the delegation, the SDM Mendhar stated that after the two-day period, the administration will initiate an encroachment drive wherever required, strictly as per law, to address both transport-related issues and public hardship.

The delegation expressed hope that the assurances given by the SDM and SDPO will translate into timely action on the ground, bringing relief to hundreds of drivers and restoring convenience and accessibility for the general public, especially patients visiting the bus stand, market and hospital areas of Mendhar.