Srinagar’s residential areas rapidly turning into commercial hubs
KINS Correspondent
Srinagar, Sep 20 (KINS): Srinagar’s once quiet and posh residential colonies are rapidly transforming into commercial zones, raising concerns about urban planning, law enforcement, and the city’s Master Plan.
Officials said that housing colonies in Srinagar were originally developed strictly for residential purposes. Commercial activity was permitted only in designated areas earmarked by authorities. However, in recent years, many of these colonies have increasingly acquired the look and feel of commercial hubs, with large shopping centres, eateries, salons, and other businesses sprouting in areas originally meant for homes.
“The Green Belt area, along with the main arteries and sub-lanes of these posh colonies, has become a hotspot for commercial activity,” sources said. “In place of sprawling bungalows and open green spaces, dozens of commercial outlets are now rearing their heads.”
The rapid commercialization has occurred alongside the rise of illegal structures. Reports suggest that many residents have altered the use of their plots in violation of existing building and land-use norms. These violations remain largely unchecked, with authorities failing to take meaningful action despite repeated complaints.
In several well-planned residential areas, including Jawahar Nagar, Rajbagh, Gogjibagh, Wazirbagh, Karan Nagar, Bemina, and Qamarwari, residents have expressed growing frustration over the unchecked commercial activity. Nursing homes, restaurants, beauty salons, and other businesses are operating in areas designated purely for housing. “We have lodged several complaints with authorities about people renting out their homes for commercial purposes,” one resident said. “However, beyond issuing a customary notice, no action has been taken.”
Urban planning experts point out that the city’s Master Plan clearly provides for limited commercial activity within residential colonies, such as small minimarkets or community shops. However, with the gradual decline in enforcement in recent years, these zones have increasingly morphed into fully-fledged commercial hubs. The resulting change has not only disrupted the residential character of these areas but has also led to increased traffic, parking issues, and other civic problems.
Several reports have previously been prepared to identify illegal commercial conversions and recommend enforcement measures, yet little has been implemented. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that while enforcement agencies have been instructed to remove illegal constructions, multiple challenges persist. “A combination of laxity in enforcement and legal hurdles, where violators approach courts and obtain stays, has slowed the process,” the official said.
Residents warn that if the trend continues unchecked, the city’s residential zones could be permanently altered, with far-reaching consequences for urban planning and quality of life. The rise of unauthorized commercial establishments not only infringes on planning regulations but also threatens the safety, privacy, and convenience of residents in these areas.
Urban planners emphasise the need for strict monitoring, prompt enforcement, and awareness campaigns to ensure that residential areas maintain their intended purpose. They argue that coordinated action between municipal authorities, law enforcement, and residents is necessary to prevent further deterioration of these neighbourhoods.(KINS)
