SRINAGAR, July 01: The Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) has implemented a one-month trial of an odd-even vehicle entry system aimed at mitigating traffic congestion and protecting the ecologically sensitive environment of the popular tourist resort in Jammu and Kashmir. This marks the first instance of such a measure being adopted by a tourist destination within the Kashmir Valley.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the new traffic regulation will be in effect from July 5 to August 5. The initiative is designed to manage the influx of vehicles during peak tourist seasons, which often leads to increased pollution and strain on the local ecosystem.
Under the pilot project, private and commercial four-wheelers will be permitted entry into Gulmarg based on the last digit of their registration numbers. Vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be allowed entry only on odd-numbered dates of the month. Conversely, vehicles with registration numbers ending in even digits (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) will be permitted entry only on even-numbered dates.
These restrictions will be enforced daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. However, transport and freight vehicles have been explicitly exempted from the odd-even scheme, ensuring the continued supply of essential goods and services to the area.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority, Tariq Hussain, stated that the primary objective of this initiative is to evaluate its efficacy in improving traffic flow and reducing the environmental impact on Gulmarg, a destination renowned for its natural beauty and tourist attractions. He informed NDTV that the pilot project’s outcomes will be assessed in collaboration with the Police, Traffic Administration, and other relevant departments.
Officials indicated that the Gulmarg Development Authority reserves the right to review, modify, extend, or even discontinue the odd-even system based on the findings derived from the pilot phase and the subsequent recommendations from the involved agencies. The fragile alpine ecosystem of Gulmarg, coupled with the significant increase in vehicular traffic during the peak tourism season, has contributed to deteriorating air quality and noise pollution.
The authority anticipates that the implementation of the odd-even system will lead to a smoother traffic experience for visitors and contribute to the preservation of the high-altitude resort’s ecological balance. The measure is part of broader efforts to ensure sustainable tourism practices in one of Kashmir’s most sought-after travel destinations.
The Chenab Times News Desk