Srinagar, June 17: Footpaths across several commercial areas of Srinagar are increasingly being occupied by merchandise displayed outside shops, forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads and raising concerns about public safety and civic management.
A visit to various markets revealed that shopkeepers have extended their commercial activity beyond designated premises by placing cartons, household goods, electronic appliances and other merchandise on pedestrian pathways, substantially reducing the space available for public movement.
In many locations, the problem is compounded by vehicles parked adjacent to footpaths, leaving pedestrians with little option but to step onto roads shared with moving traffic.
Some concerned citizens said the practice has become ubiquitous in major markets and shopping hubs, affecting schoolchildren, elderly citizens, women and persons with disabilities the most. They alleged that despite periodic anti-encroachment drives, obstructions routinely reappear within days.
They argue that footpaths are intended exclusively for pedestrian use and their conversion into commercial display areas undermines both public convenience and road safety. They warned that continued acquiescence to such practices could further erode already limited pedestrian infrastructure in the city.
Several citizens questioned the efficacy of enforcement measures, saying that sporadic drives have failed to provide a lasting solution. They called for a sustained mechanism involving the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Traffic Police and district administration to ensure that public walkways remain accessible.
While appealing authorities to act, they said reclaiming footpaths for pedestrians would not only improve mobility but also contribute to a more orderly and aesthetically appealing urban environment. [KNT]
