The Chandigarh Administration has decided to invoke Section 144 of the CrPC to make the car-free day on March 13 mandatory for all. Those disobeying the order will be prosecuted. On the day, motorcycles and scooters too will be banned in the city.
Sources said while the Administration would organise a number of events to create awareness about the day, action would be taken against violators under the provision of the Section.
The car-free day would be observed from 7 am to 2 pm.
SSP (Traffic) Manish Chaudhary, who is the nodal officer for the event, said the aim of observing the day was to motivate people to opt for public transport and bicycles, and avoid taking cars for inter-sector works and instead walk their way. However, the order would be issued by the District Commissioner under Section 144 to rein in those likely to create nuisance.
Chaudhary said emergency vehicles, public transport service, buses, LPG autos and those having a security threat would be exempted. Elderly people and patients would be exempted too. He said the car free day would be observed in the entire city.
The Administration will arrange maximum number of government buses and school buses for residents. It will also seek online suggestions on the portal, mygov.in, so that better planning could be done.
Outstation vehicles would be provided passes at the entry points to pass through the city.