Last Updated on June 17, 2022 at 4:54 pm
Failure of Jammu and Kashmir government to clear encroachments from roadsides is hampering vehicular movement and creating difficulties for pedestrians.
The authorities have failed to implement strictness over these encroachments and failed to ease the traffic congestion and free illegally occupied spaces in the city.
Roads and footpaths in city centre areas including Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, Dalgate, Budshah Chowk, Sanat Nagar, Bypass have been encroachment upon by street vendors. Similarly, roads at Khanyar, Bohri Kadal, Maharaj Gunj, Rajouri Kadal and Gowjara have also been occupied by vendors, reportedly.
As per commuters, they have to face immense hardships due to the presence of vendors on roadsides and footpaths. One of the pedestrian said that major roads have been occupied by these vendors and authorities are not taking any strict action.
Traders said that their trade is also affected by encroachment of footpaths and roads. “Due to encroachment by vendors, even ambulances are struck in traffic jams,” said Sajad Ahmed, a trader in Nowhatta.
One of the vendor said that they should be provided space in a way that their business is not affected as they can’t stay in any corner where there is no business opportunity
Bashir Ahmed Bhat, Anti-Encroachment Officer of SMC told Greater Kashmir that several anti-encroachment drives have conducted by them.
He further added that in coming days drive will be conducted again so that commuters and other people don’t face any issues and added that they have carried such drives previously as well but unfortunately, vendors are coming back.
