Suhail Rather
Bandipora, 17 Sep: The main market of Bandipora is facing mounting traffic and civic-management problems, with encroached footpaths, roadside vending, prolonged halting of passenger vehicles and heavy trucks turning daily movement into a major challenge for pedestrians and commuters.
The situation is at its worst during the post-4 PM hours, when the market witnesses heavy pedestrian and vehicular movement. Footpaths are allegedly occupied by shopkeepers and vendors, forcing pedestrians onto the main road and leaving them to negotiate their way through congested traffic.
Locals say the absence of visible and sustained traffic regulation at key points has further aggravated the situation. Despite the market being one of the busiest commercial areas of the district headquarters, residents claim that traffic personnel are rarely seen managing the main market during peak hours.
The prolonged halting of matadors at the main chowk is another major concern. Commuters allege that passenger vehicles remain stationed for extended periods, creating bottlenecks and disrupting the movement of other vehicles.
The movement and halting of loaded trucks during daytime hours has also come under criticism, with locals seeking regulated timings for heavy vehicles and loading-unloading activities in the congested market area.
Pedestrian infrastructure has emerged as another major casualty of the situation. Locals allege that portions of the footpaths have effectively been converted into extensions of commercial spaces, leaving pedestrians with no option but to use the carriageway.
Residents say the issue not only causes inconvenience but also raises concerns over pedestrian safety, particularly for children, elderly persons and those accompanying patients.
Fruit and vegetable carts occupy significant portions of the road, particularly in the evening, further reducing the available space for traffic.
Locals have called for proper designated vending areas, saying that vendors should be provided space to carry out their livelihood without obstructing pedestrian and vehicular movement.
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The continued presence of fisherwomen along roadside stretches despite the availability of a designated fish market has also been questioned by residents, who have urged authorities to ensure that vending is conducted from designated locations.
Meanwhile, residents have also raised concerns regarding routine market inspections and enforcement of consumer-protection regulations.
They allege that checking of rate lists becomes more visible around Eid, while regular inspections during the rest of the year need to be strengthened.
Concerns have also been raised over the alleged sale of expired food products and rotten fruits and vegetables. Locals have urged the concerned departments to carry out regular inspections and take action wherever violations are established.
Consumers have further complained about rising prices of essential commodities and have sought consistent checking of displayed rates and action against overcharging as per applicable regulations.
Residents have urged the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora to take cognisance of the situation and direct the Traffic Police, Municipal authorities and other concerned departments to undertake coordinated and sustained measures.
They have sought clearance of footpaths, regulation of roadside vending, proper management of matadors, restrictions on daytime halting of heavy vehicles at congested points, deployment of traffic personnel during peak hours and regular market and food-safety inspections.
Locals maintain that occasional enforcement drives will not be sufficient and that Bandipora market requires a permanent traffic and civic-management mechanism to ensure smooth movement and pedestrian safety.
The residents have appealed to the administration to intervene before the growing congestion becomes a more serious public-safety concern. (KNS)