Shopkeepers continue to occupy the footpaths in Kupwara town Residents term Anti-encroachment drive an eyewash

Shopkeepers continue to occupy the footpaths in Kupwara town
Residents term Anti-encroachment drive an eyewash

SHAHID PEER

Kupwara: Much to the discomfort of the Kupwara town residents, as they cannot use the footpath meant for the people, the residents of the town on Tuesday said that the Municipal Council Kupwara has failed to remove encroachment from footpaths.

One of the resident of the town told Global Kashmir that the Shopkeepers have taken over pavements in Kupwara town and adjoining areas while Municipal Council Kupwara have closed their eyes over the gross violation.
“Every morning shopkeepers set up their merchandise on the pavements outside their shops, leaving pedestrians with no choice, but to walk on the road”, he said.

Sehrish, who is a college going student said this has become a daily routine, as there is space for the pedestrians to walk on footpaths and has been used by the shopkeepers adding to the inconvenience for common people.
”The encroachments force us to walk on the roads instead of the footpaths. It is risk to our lives, and we (public) don’t know why the authorities fail to take actions against these violators”,she said.

Notably, after the anti-encroachment drive was started by the Municipal Council Kupwara for removal of encroachers from roads and footpaths, which also witnessed the youth participation of the local youth of area, and also received the appreciation and encouragement from all quarters of society including traders.

The youth of the area termed their voluntary efforts in vain and said the drive was mere an eyewash.

The residents of the area while speaking to this reporter also raised the questions why these drives were only for selected shops and some street vendors and termed it as selective targets.
Seeking an immediate intervention of Kupwara administration for immediate removal of encroachers from the footpaths.

However, according to the GK correspondent, the officers and officials of the Municipal Council Kupwara turn a deaf ear to the continuing public outcry against the continuing encroachment on footpaths in the town.