
Authorities fail to act
The bustling stretch from Naaz Cinema to Goni Khan Market in Srinagar has turned into a chaotic, congested corridor as street vendors continue to occupy large portions of the road and footpaths, bringing traffic and pedestrian movement to a near standstill. Despite repeated complaints from locals, shopkeepers, and commuters, the concerned authorities have failed to take concrete action against the growing encroachment.
On any given day, the road is lined with vendors selling clothes, shoes, accessories, fruits, and street food. What was once a relatively accessible commercial area has now become a maze of makeshift stalls and carts, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road and contributing to frequent traffic snarls.
“This entire stretch has become unwalkable,” said Shahid Ahmad, a daily commuter. “There’s no space on the footpaths, and even ambulances heading towards LD Hospital struggle to move through the crowd.”
Shopkeepers in the area are also bearing the brunt. Many claim that the street vendors block their storefronts and divert customers away. “We pay rent, electricity, and taxes, while vendors block the entrances and sell the same items in front of our shops,” said Fayaz Bhat, who runs a garment store in Goni Khan. “We’re not against people earning a living, but this unregulated growth is hurting everyone.”
Locals accuse the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and district administration of turning a blind eye to the issue. Anti-encroachment drives, when conducted, are either symbolic or temporary, with vendors returning within hours of being removed.
Sources within the SMC admit that lack of coordination, political pressure, and absence of a clear policy on street vending have hampered long-term solutions. “We need a structured rehabilitation and regulation plan, but it's stuck in bureaucratic delays,” said an official on the condition of anonymity.
Urban planners and civil society members warn that without urgent intervention, the situation could escalate into a public safety hazard. “There’s no emergency access, no pedestrian safety, and total disregard for urban planning norms,” said Dr. Nisar Wani, an urban policy expert.
For now, the road from Naaz Cinema to Goni Khan remains in a state of managed chaos — a reflection of the growing urban disorder and the administration’s inability to strike a balance between livelihood and legality.
Authorities fail to act
The bustling stretch from Naaz Cinema to Goni Khan Market in Srinagar has turned into a chaotic, congested corridor as street vendors continue to occupy large portions of the road and footpaths, bringing traffic and pedestrian movement to a near standstill. Despite repeated complaints from locals, shopkeepers, and commuters, the concerned authorities have failed to take concrete action against the growing encroachment.
On any given day, the road is lined with vendors selling clothes, shoes, accessories, fruits, and street food. What was once a relatively accessible commercial area has now become a maze of makeshift stalls and carts, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road and contributing to frequent traffic snarls.
“This entire stretch has become unwalkable,” said Shahid Ahmad, a daily commuter. “There’s no space on the footpaths, and even ambulances heading towards LD Hospital struggle to move through the crowd.”
Shopkeepers in the area are also bearing the brunt. Many claim that the street vendors block their storefronts and divert customers away. “We pay rent, electricity, and taxes, while vendors block the entrances and sell the same items in front of our shops,” said Fayaz Bhat, who runs a garment store in Goni Khan. “We’re not against people earning a living, but this unregulated growth is hurting everyone.”
Locals accuse the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and district administration of turning a blind eye to the issue. Anti-encroachment drives, when conducted, are either symbolic or temporary, with vendors returning within hours of being removed.
Sources within the SMC admit that lack of coordination, political pressure, and absence of a clear policy on street vending have hampered long-term solutions. “We need a structured rehabilitation and regulation plan, but it's stuck in bureaucratic delays,” said an official on the condition of anonymity.
Urban planners and civil society members warn that without urgent intervention, the situation could escalate into a public safety hazard. “There’s no emergency access, no pedestrian safety, and total disregard for urban planning norms,” said Dr. Nisar Wani, an urban policy expert.
For now, the road from Naaz Cinema to Goni Khan remains in a state of managed chaos — a reflection of the growing urban disorder and the administration’s inability to strike a balance between livelihood and legality.
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