PU to take call on vehicle-free zones today

Panjab University mulls declaring its campus a vehicle free zone during elections.

On Monday, PU authorities said they were considering a representation made by seven student bodies on ensuring a vehicle free campus during elections.

However, they also said it was not feasible to make the entire campus vehicle free and were, therefore, considering enforcing the rule only around the vice-chancellor’s office, the Student Centre and the Arts block.

On Sunday, the National Students Union of India, Student Federation of India, Students for Society, Ambedkar Students Association, Indian National Student Organisation, Hindustan Student Association and Youth Welfare Association, held a press conference and also sent a petition demanding the declaration of a vehicle free zone on PU campus during polls.

Top PU officials said visitors will be asked to park their vehicles on the roads between the Administrative Block and Gate Numbers 1 and 2. “Beyond that, no vehicle will be allowed. The areas of residential side and Panjab University Market will also be earmarked for parking,” official added.

The university, however, is considering allowing vehicles of faculty members in the vehicle free zones, provided they have security stickers pasted on their cars and carry ID cards. An official said that reducing vehicular traffic even by 50-60% would serve the purpose. Dean, student welfare, Navdeep Goyal said the university appreciated the student bodies’ initiative. “We are considering it. We are working on it and the final proposal will be discussed in the meeting with students on Tuesday,” Goyal said. Meanwhile, PU will hold a meeting with all student bodies on Tuesday regarding polls.

Officials said they were expecting nod for polls from UT administration.