Encroachment of roads causes traffic jams in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 28: Street vendors have occupied large portions of roads, footpaths, and public spaces across Srinagar, leaving the city struggling with traffic congestion and blocked pedestrian movement.

People said that the failure of authorities to relocate the vendors to designated vending zones or to create enough zones has worsened the situation, particularly around key hospitals and busy markets.

Locals complained that encroachments are visible across the city centre, Downtown, Soura, and Hazratbal areas, where roadside vendors have taken over footpaths and parts of the main carriageways. Locals said that this has not only affected traffic movement but also created serious inconvenience for pedestrians.

“The footpaths and roads are completely occupied by vendors. Walking through Lal Chowk or Nowhatta has become a challenge. Even on bridges like Habba Kadal, vendors have set up stalls, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road,” said Monim Ahmad, a commuter from Downtown.

Locals said the situation around major health institutions like SKIMS Soura, Lal Ded Hospital, and SDH Hazratbal is particularly alarming. “Ambulances often get stuck because of vendors and haphazard parking. It’s risky for patients in an emergency,” said a resident of Soura.

They said that with the ongoing issue, there has been a never-ending traffic gridlock. “Traffic jams have become routine. Even cycle tracks meant for public use have been occupied by vendors,” said a local from Hazratbal.

Officials said the problem has persisted as the number of vendors has outgrown the capacity of existing vending zones. “The number of vendors has increased rapidly, and there is a need for a full-fledged program for the identification of vending zones followed by relocation of vendors,” he said

However, many vendors say they are willing to move only if proper arrangements are made. “We have no problem shifting to vending zones, but those should be in places where people actually come to buy. If they send us to isolated corners, how will we earn?” asked Rafiq Ahmad, a vendor at Downtown.

Another vendor at Lal Chowk said that they have repeatedly requested authorities to build proper vending areas with basic facilities. “We also want space to work peacefully. But if they relocate us without proper planning, our families will suffer,” he said.

Syed Mohammad, Chief Anti-Encroachment Officer, SMC, said that “Over the past year, the department has been active and done scores of anti-encroachment drives. He also said that the drivers are in their jurisdiction and they continue to enforce it.”