Habba Kadal in Srinagar witnessed chaos and disruptions in traffic movement as street vendors set up shop on roads and pavements, impeding the flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
The sudden surge in street vending has made the already bustling commercial area a challenging place to navigate. With vendors occupying both the roads and pavements, the situation has resulted in frequent gridlocks and a perilous environment for pedestrians.
The unauthorized street vendors have encroached on the already narrow sidewalks, leaving little space for pedestrians to walk safely. The congestion and lack of footpath access have forced pedestrians to share the road with vehicles, creating dangerous conditions for all.
Commuters and shoppers in the area have expressed their frustrations, as the blocked roads and pavements not only cause traffic snarls but also significantly extend the time it takes to traverse this prominent shopping area. Many shop owners have also voiced their concerns about the adverse impact on their businesses due to the chaos.
The regulations around hawking and vending may not be well-enforced or may need to be updated to better balance pedestrian access with the needs of vendors.
Addressing this situation may require coordinated efforts between the SMC, local communities, and the vendors themselves, to find solutions such as designated vending zones, better infrastructure, or regulated vending licenses.