The roadside stretch between Naaz Cinema to Goni Khan Market in the heart of Srinagar city has increasingly become a hub of unregulated street vending, causing severe traffic congestion, pedestrian inconvenience, and safety hazards.
Every day, vendors line both sides of the road, setting up makeshift stalls selling everything from clothing, accessories, and shoes to fruits, vegetables, and household items. This narrow commercial stretch, known for its bustling market activity, now struggles to accommodate both vehicular movement and pedestrian footfall due to the unregulated encroachments.
commuters and traders have expressed growing concern over the issue, citing worsening traffic jams and the lack of space for movement. “There is barely any space to walk, let alone drive. The entire footpath has been taken over by vendors. It’s chaotic during peak hours,” said Bilal Ahmad, a shopkeeper in the area.
Residents and business owners allege that repeated pleas to the authorities for regulation have gone unanswered. “It’s not that we are against small vendors making a living. But there has to be a system. You cannot allow the road to become a bazaar,” said another local trader from Goni Khan.
Shopkeepers in the area have also complained that these vendors, who do not pay taxes or rent, undercut prices and create unfair competition for established businesses. Moreover, many of the vendors reportedly stay put throughout the day, even during emergency situations, making it difficult for ambulances or fire services to navigate through the area.
Pedestrians, especially women and elderly citizens, say they are forced to walk on the road, putting their lives at risk. “The entire walkway is blocked. You either push your way through the crowd or step onto the road, where traffic is moving dangerously close,” said Nusrat Jan, a college student who frequents the market.
Traffic police personnel posted in the area often appear overwhelmed and unable to manage the flow. Despite several drives in the past by Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and traffic authorities to clear encroachments, vendors return within days, alleging that they have no designated vending zones.
An official from SMC, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that the issue persists due to a lack of enforcement and a sustainable relocation plan. “Every time we clear the area, they return. There is political pressure too. A long-term solution requires proper planning, including creation of vending zones, vendor registration, and daily monitoring,” the official said.
City residents are now urging Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Srinagar administration to take swift and concrete action. Suggestions from civil society include designated vending areas, regulated vending hours, and stricter enforcement against repeat offenders.
Until then, the stretch between Naaz Cinema and Goni Khan remains a glaring example of urban mismanagement—where unregulated livelihood clashes with public order, safety, and city aesthetics.