Bilal Rehmani

Bandipora, Nov 9 (KNS): Alleged encroachments on public footpaths, roads and designated spaces in Bandipora town have raised concerns over pedestrian safety, traffic movement and access for emergency services, bringing the functioning of the Municipal Council under scrutiny.

Residents have alleged that obstructions at several locations are forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads and affecting the smooth movement of traffic.

The issue has also raised concerns over fire safety, particularly in densely populated localities where obstructed roads and inadequate fire gaps could delay the movement of Fire and Emergency Services vehicles during emergencies.

Residents said maintaining unobstructed roads and emergency passages was essential, particularly in view of the major fire tragedy witnessed by Bandipora in the past, following which reconstruction and infrastructure development measures were undertaken in parts of the town.

They have urged the Municipal Council to conduct a comprehensive survey of public footpaths, roadside areas and other designated spaces to identify unauthorised occupations and establish the status of public land.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Questions have also been raised over whether inspections have been conducted, notices issued to alleged violators and measures initiated to retrieve encroached public spaces.

Residents, however, stressed that authorised street vending and legally designated vending spaces should be distinguished from illegal encroachments and that enforcement action must follow due legal procedures.

They have also called for coordination between the Municipal Council, Fire and Emergency Services and other concerned departments to ensure that emergency routes remain accessible and public infrastructure is protected.

Residents have sought a clear policy and time-bound action plan from the authorities, saying public spaces, footpaths and emergency access routes must remain available for their intended purposes.

The Municipal Council's response to the allegations and the measures proposed to address the concerns were not available at the time of filing this report. (KNS)