Kupwara, Aug 2: The wrong parking of vehicles and encroachment of roads and sidewalks by the vendors and traders in Handwara and Kupwara is causing immense hardships to the pedestrians.
 According to the locals, the traffic jams on the roads of these areas have become order of the day. “With people parking their vehicles in no parking zones, the traffic jams on the road stretches in these Towns are eminent,” the locals said adding the traffic mess is creating immense difficulties for the commuters who have to wait for hours in these jams in the scorching heat.
 The law enforcement agencies, according to the locals have failed to curb the menace of wrong parking in the area. “The drivers of vehicles flout the traffic regulations with impunity with law enforcement agencies turning blind eye towards the menace,” the locals said, adding that none of the erring drivers is punished for violating the law.
 They said the government’s failure to establish the parking slots in these areas have added to the peoples’ problems. “The government should take immediate measures and establish parking slots in the towns,” the locals said.
 Similarly, encroachment of the sidewalks by the vendors and shopkeepers, galore in Bus stand Handwara, Main Chowk Handwara, Opposite Police station Handwara, Vilgam bus stand, Bus Stand Kupwara, Dar Gali, Hajaj Market, Babar Lane and Hayhama road.
 “The street vendors and shopkeepers occupy the footpaths leaving no space for the pedestrians,” Shamim Ahmad a local told Greater Kashmir, adding that pedestrians are seen walking on the roads due to occupied pavements. “This is the scene in both the busiest Towns of the district.”
 According to the residents of the area, many people, particularly elders and children have been hit by vehicles while they were walking on the road during evening rush hours. “With sidewalks already occupied, the elders and children have to walk on the busy road, which is a risky exercise,” the locals added.
 “It is unfortunate that neither the police nor the Municipal authorities are taking any action against the street vendors and shopkeepers involved in encroaching of roads and sidewalks by extending their makeshift stalls,” the residents said.
 When contacted, Municipality Executive officer Handwara, Latief Ahmad told Greater Kashmir “We are soon going to launch a special drive against those encroaching the footpaths and roads.”

Reports compiled by Shahid Rafiq

Lastupdate on : Thu, 2 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 2 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 3 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST