Shopkeepers, vendors continue to occupy roads in Bandipora

Bandipora, Feb 20: Shopkeepers in northern Kashmir’s Bandipora town continue to occupy the footpaths and roads making the movement of vehicles and pedestrians difficult, residents complained here on Monday.
“Most of the shopkeepers and vendors have occupied roads and footpaths in the main town of the district while the officials have also failed to act against the violators,” the residents said. The footpaths meant for pedestrians have been occupied by most of the shopkeepers creating traffic chaos in the market, the residents complained.
They said that the vendors on both sides of the road, selling cosmetic collections, vegetables and fruits, have extended their carts on the road thus creating unnecessary traffic mess and narrowing the space for the movement of locals.
“For the past few months, even the bike mechanics have started repairing bikes on the road outside their shops and there is no one to ask them,” Majeed Ahmad, a local said.
He said that the Municipal Council has been informed about it several times but they always come and make formal announcements rather than taking any actions.
Meanwhile, locals have urged deputy commissioner Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmad to personally look into the matter. (KNO)