Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Dec 10: Daily life in south Kashmir’s Shopian town continues to be disrupted by persistent traffic jams, which residents say have reached an alarming level, affecting everything from office timings to emergency response.
The situation turned even more worrying recently when a Fire and Emergency Services vehicle remained stuck in a traffic jam for over 30 minutes while rushing to control a blaze. By the time the fire tender reached the spot, several structures had already suffered extensive damage.
Locals said that if the vehicle had arrived on time, the losses could have been significantly reduced.
They attribute the recurring traffic chaos to a combination of factors—careless parking, roadside encroachments, lack of enforcement, and the continued movement of heavy vehicles inside the town during peak hours despite clear government restrictions.
“Parking bays exist, but people still leave their vehicles right on the roadside, blocking crucial space and reducing the width of the roads,” said a shopkeeper near the main market. “Double parking is common, especially during busy hours, and it completely chokes the traffic.”
Many commuters expressed frustration over the lack of traffic discipline. Pedestrians often walk on the road due to encroached pavements, while some drivers stop abruptly to pick up passengers, worsening the congestion.
Residents highlighted rampant encroachment by vendors and shopkeepers as a major aggravating factor. “Stalls, goods, and parked vehicles spill onto the road, leaving barely enough space for two cars to pass. Sometimes moving a few hundred meters takes 20–30 minutes,” Aijaz Ahmad, a local, said.
Government employees working in the district say they are among those paying the price. “We frequently reach offices late because of the jams. Even planning travel within the town requires extra time now,” a group of employees complained.
Locals said they repeatedly raised the issue in public meetings, community engagements, and official forums, but to no avail.
“Assurances are given every time, but enforcement lasts only for a few days before things slide back to the old pattern. People are tired of temporary solutions,” said another resident.
Amid rising public anger, the district administration has initiated a crackdown on violators, including action against illegal parking and roadside encroachments.
A senior official said long-term solutions are underway. “Once the new highway becomes fully operational, heavy vehicles will be diverted away from the town. This will greatly reduce congestion,” he said, adding that strict action is being taken against encroachers and traffic violators.
