Mir Aatif
Bandipora, Nov 06 (KINS): Despite the availability of a dedicated parking facility built at a cost of crores of rupees, traffic congestion continues in Bandipora town due to illegal parking and encroachments on footpaths by street vendors.
While many motorists use the designated parking facility, some continue to park their vehicles along roadsides and in no-parking zones, creating traffic jams and inconvenience for commuters.
Pedestrians are also facing difficulties as street vendors have occupied footpaths at several places, forcing people to walk on busy roads and increasing the risk of accidents.
Speaking to KINS, the President of the Bandipora Traders Association said that occupying footpaths was wrong and appealed to shopkeepers and traders not to block spaces meant for pedestrians.
He also requested street vendors to avoid setting up on roads before 3 pm to ensure smooth public movement. He said that the main roads in Bandipora town had remained largely unchanged for decades, making it important to keep the available road space free from obstructions.
Meanwhile, the Executive Officer (EO) of the Municipal Committee Bandipora told KINS that the issues would be addressed within a few days. He said the market enforcement team would be directed to look into the matter.
The EO said the Municipal Committee had recently held a meeting with the Traders Federation Bandipora to discuss traffic congestion and encroachment issues. Shopkeepers had also been advised not to park vehicles outside their shops in ways that obstruct traffic and pedestrian movement.
He further said that the department would launch an organised enforcement drive and take action against those found violating the rules.
Residents have appealed to the Municipal Committee and Traffic Police to ensure proper use of the available parking facility, remove footpath encroachments and regulate street vending in designated areas.
They said regular enforcement of traffic rules and protection of pedestrian spaces were essential to ease congestion and ensure safer movement in Bandipora town.(KINS)
