Srinagar, Nov 10: Auto-rickshaw drivers in Srinagar have urged the Traffic Police to reconsider its decision to ban opaque and black window coverings, saying the mandatory replacement with transparent sheets would impose an additional financial burden on drivers already struggling with growing competition from e-rickshaws.
The appeal comes after Traffic Police launched a crackdown in the city, stopping auto-rickshaws and directing drivers to remove black curtains and other opaque coverings from their vehicles.
The Srinagar Traffic Police have ordered auto-rickshaw and e-rickshaw operators to replace dark window coverings with transparent sheets, citing passenger safety, security and visibility.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Srinagar, Bisma Qazi, said the measure was necessary to ensure visibility inside vehicles and prevent misuse.
However, auto-rickshaw association representatives have questioned the decision, arguing that transparent coverings could cost drivers up to Rs 2,000, adding to their financial difficulties.
“These autos are our livelihood. Why would we misuse them and put our own earnings at risk? We do not deny that some people may be involved in wrong activities, but punishing everyone for the actions of a few is not justified,” association leader Fayaz Ahmed Kumar said.
He said petrol-run auto-rickshaw operators were already facing difficulties following the growing presence of relatively cheaper e-rickshaws, which had affected their business.
“Who will bear this additional expense? Drivers are already struggling, particularly after the introduction of e-rickshaws, which has affected the business of petrol-run auto-rickshaws. Imposing another financial burden on them is unfair,” he said.
The association also argued that opaque coverings were used to protect passengers from cold weather during winter and requested the authorities to take their concerns into consideration before enforcing the restriction.
