SSCL’s move to turn footpath at MA Road into parking slot irks pedestrians

Srinagar, Feb 17: The move by Srinagar Smart City Ltd (SSCL) to use a footpath at Maulana Azad Road for parking purposes has been opposed by pedestrians saying this hinders their movement.

Commuters said concerned employees of SSCL have extended parking on the footpath near the entrance of Polo Ground.  “This has been done to mint more money from commuters in the name of parking but at the cost of pedestrians’ safety,” said Abdul Hamid, a commuter.

Tanveer Chalkoo, a commuter and social activist said that he was also made to park on the footpath and charged.

“I raised the issue and ensured that I was given the receipt so that I could reach out to authorities. This issue is not only illegal, but it puts the lives of pedestrians at risk. The irony is that the authorities have enclosed the portion along with the footpath with a rope, which more risky to pedestrians,” Tanveer said.

Several pedestrians also expressed their dismay on the issue. They said that such practice forces them to walk on the main road putting them at risk of accidents.

“It is unfortunate that the roads in the city center are not pedestrian-friendly. If we won’t have space to walk even after spending millions of rupees in the so-called Smart City, what else can we expect? Every year, multiple pedestrians die due to accidents, and now authorities are showing such a callous approach,” said Ashfaq Ahmad, a pedestrian.

The commuters also said that despite paying huge amounts for parking in Smart City parking zones, many vehicles are parked on footpaths, blocking walkways for pedestrians.

“This is done just to extend the capacity of limited parking slots. It is better to make proper and more parking lots rather than occupying footpaths. If authorities can encroach footpaths, what can we expect from shopkeepers,” another pedestrian said.

Chief Engineer Srinagar Smart City, Abdul Qayoom Kirmani, said that he would look into the issue.

"I will look into the matter on the ground and address it accordingly so that pedestrians don't face any issues," Kirmani said.