The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the authorities to take immediate measures to reduce traffic congestion in the town during the peak tourist season.

The Court orders to not to make the situation possibility of a Joshimath-like situation arising in Nainital.

Taking suo motu cognisance of a PIL on the pressure of traffic in Nainital,

The division bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal held that the issue must be addressed as soon as possible, otherwise the town may also face a Joshimath-like situation.

The court ordered immediate replacement of cycle rickshaws with e-rickshaws in Nainital to address the problem of traffic congestion which is worsening each passing year.

Further, the Court held that the government should arrange for at least 50 e-rickshaws within two weeks of removing the pedal rickshaws.

Priority should be given to pedal rickshaw operators in the allocation of e-rickshaws, the high court said.

During the hearing yesterday, Nainital Circle Officer Vibha Dikshit was also present.

The forthcoming fair at Kainchi Dham staring on June 14 will only add to the popular tourist spot’s traffic woes.

Devotees from all over the country visit Baba Neem Karoli’s ashram in Kainchi Dham.