Remove illegal encroachers

In the congested roads, Srinagar has been facing difficult times in regulating the traffic. However, the congested roads are further being choked by illegally occupying the roadsides, thereby prompting the enforcement agency to issue a stern warning against the illegal encroachers, especially the car dealers. The roads meant for public commuting are being converted into unauthorized showrooms by local car dealers as they park dozens of vehicles on public roads, choke crucial arteries, block access points, thus simultaneously turning already congested areas into zones of utter chaos. This misuse of public space is not only an affront to urban order but also a serious civic issue that demands immediate attention. A line of cars freshly polished and tagged “For Sale,” could be seen occupying sidewalks and road margins. As a result, the pedestrians are forced onto the road, traffic slows to a crawl and emergency vehicles struggle to navigate through narrowed lanes. The problem is compounded by illegal parking, a plague that seems to thrive in areas with weak enforcement. Vehicles double-parked, dumped in no-parking zones or left idle for hours with impunity make every day a test of patience and resilience. For the elderly, school children and people with disabilities, such lawlessness isn’t just inconvenient but dangerous. What makes the situation worse is the inaction or in some cases, silent complicity of local authorities. Rules exist. Penalties exist. But what is missing is enforcement. Therefore, the fresh warning issued to the car dealers must be implemented in letter and spirit as any violation to the norms must be dealt with strictly as per the rule.