Sikkim HC directs strict enforcement of no-parking order on Atal Setu Bridge

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK,: The High Court of Sikkim has directed authorities in both Sikkim and West Bengal to strictly enforce its earlier order prohibiting the parking of vehicles on Atal Setu Bridge connecting the two States.

The Atal Setu Bridge, located at the Rangpo border of Sikkim and West Bengal, connects the two States along the NH 10.

Earlier in April, the High Court of Sikkim had directed that no lighter or heavy vehicles should be allowed topark on the sides of the Atal Setu Bridge.

During a recent hearing, the High Court of Sikkim was informed by the NHIDCL that in spite of restrictionsimposed by the court, vehicles are allowed to be parked on the sides of Atal Setu Bridge.

The NHIDCL should display the boards on both sides of the bridge that the prohibition is effected as per the orders of this court, directed the division bench of Chief Justice A. MuhamedMustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan on July 30.

The bench also directed the State respondents to inform the Station House Officers (SHOs) of Rangpo police stations in both Sikkim and West Bengal for strict compliance of the orders of the High Court of Sikkim. The SHOs are to ensure that vehicles are not allowed to be parked on the sides of the bridge and if any wrong parking found illegally, fine shall be imposed on them for violating the order, it was directed.