Sluggish pace of Smart City works takes sheen off Eid shopping in Srinagar

Srinagar, Apr 6: Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, traders in Downtown Srinagar are staring at massive losses as sluggish construction work under the Smart City project severely affected smooth vehicular movement.

Once bustling markets of Shahr-e-Khaas like Jamia Masjid, Zaina Kadal, SR Gunj, Bohri Kadal, Nalla Mar, Khanyar and Gade Kocha now wear a deserted look with roads dug up, rendering them impassable for customers.

Traditionally, these markets witness a surge in business activity on Eid, but this year, due to the ongoing construction works, shopkeepers are sitting idle and struggling to make ends meet.

Nazir Ahmad Shah, president of Shahr-e-Khaas Traders Alliance told Greater Kashmir that traders were facing losses running into crores of rupees due to the “chaotic situation caused by the haphazard pace of the Smart City work.”

He said that traders at Zaina Kadal, SR Kunj, and other retail and wholesale markets downtown are facing substantial losses. "Despite assurances from officials that all works in Downtown Srinagar would be completed before Eid, Zaina Kadal remains closed. At SR Gunj, entire roads have been blocked instead of keeping at least one side open," he said.

Shah said that traders are not against the ongoing construction. “We are only concerned about the pace of work. All the roads are dug up leaving no space for customers," he said.

The traders urged authorities to prioritise the completion of construction work while ensuring that space is kept accessible for people.

"There should be coordination between departments. Traders must be taken into confidence to prevent such detrimental impacts on their business in the future. On holy festivals, we were expecting good business, but roads make it worse for us,” Shah said.

The concern is echoed by other business owners from other parts of the city. Many feel the timing of the Smart City projects couldn't be worse, impacting their busiest shopping season ahead of Eid.

Addressing the concerns, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri acknowledged the inconvenience caused to people during construction work but said the administration has made efforts to prevent major disruptions. "I have deputed teams for ground inspections. A rideable surface will be made visible by Monday," Bidhuri told Greater Kashmir, adding that unfavorable weather conditions have hampered the work.

The Div Com gave the example of the recently renovated Polo View market to assure traders that once completed, the Smart City project will enhance Srinagar's beauty and infrastructure.

"People faced inconveniences during Polo View work as well, but now the area looks beautiful. We will try our best to address all issues faced by people due to the ongoing construction," he said.