The Punjab and Haryana high court on Friday directed the Chandigarh administration as well as municipal
corporation to carry out rationalisation of rickshaw stands in the city so that these stands could be made at
those places where they could be useful to people.
The special division bench comprising justices Surya Kant and Ajay Tewari directed the authorities
concerned to convene a meeting with eco-cab (environment friendly and light-weight rickshaw) founder OP
Asija for rationalisation of rickshaw stands in the city.
The court also asked about the administration's plans for further extension of non-motorised vehicles in other
parts of the city since the court was informed on Friday that eco-cabs were plying from Sector 1 to 30 in the
first phase.
The court observed that in Chandigarh, in some of the sectors, rickshaw stands were there but since there
was no demand of rickshaws, no rickshaw puller could be seen at the stands. Hence, there was a need for
rationalisation of rickshaw stands in the city as per demand.
Giving an example, Asija informed the court that in Sector 17-E rickshaw stand was placed behind restro bar Lyon's whereas nobody goes and thus it should be earmarked on the front side.
Amicus curiae (advocate appointed to assist the court) Rita Kohli informed the court, during arguments, that
light-weight rickshaws had received good response in its first phase in the city, but the UT administration
seemed to be reluctant to invest anything further.
She also informed that even the authorities of Punjab and Haryana had not responded well with regard to the
implementation of eco-cabs in various cities. On this the court asked the detailed reply on the issue from
Punjab and Haryana authorities.
However, arguing on the issue of parkings in Sector 17, the municipal corporation's counsel informed the
court that the corporation had installed and tested two mechanised barriers in two parkings in front of Lyon's
restro-bar and Sahib Singh showroom.
He informed that one month notice had been given to the already existing parking contractors to vacate the
parking so that parking with mechanised barriers could start functioning there.
