SRINAGAR, JAN 24: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to regularise street vendors, allocating specific locations for them to operate, as part of efforts to enhance the aesthetic appeal of towns and cities.
Over the past three years, Srinagar has undergone a transformation into a smart city, with rapid progress in the ongoing development projects. Authorities anticipate a significant overhaul of roads, cycle tracks, pathways, amenities, and commercial centres upon the completion of these initiatives.
Srinagar Municipal Corporation officials say that street vendors causing traffic disruptions will be regulated by assigning specific locations for their businesses, in accordance with the Street Vendors Act.
Several states have embraced the beautification of their cities by formalizing street vendors through licensing, aiming to address traffic issues and enhance urban aesthetics.
“In contrast, Kashmir has seen limited regularization of street vendors, with only a few designated areas in Srinagar allocated for their businesses,” a senior official of SMC said.
The official attributed the mess and chaos here to a lack of planning, citing haphazard settlement of vendors and an improper parking system as the primary reasons.
“SMC is now considering adopting policies similar to Delhi, where the Municipal Corporation has successfully regularized street vendors, reducing instances of bribery and fears of eviction. Delhi has also implemented attractive kiosks in their markets,” the official said.
“The municipal corporations in other states and UTs have provided street vendors with a licence and provide them with particular spots to run their business. If implemented, it will make Srinagar city and other towns of Kashmir more beautiful and would tackle the traffic congestion problem,” the official said.
A senior official of the Housing and Urban Development Department said there was no concept of urban planning and development a few years back. “People who are at the helm of affairs had no concept of urban development, which is the main reason for chaos on the streets of Srinagar city. In the last few years, some street vendors have been regularized. The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been focusing on beautifying the cities and towns of the valley,” the official added.
