“Rapidly growing Srinagar is losing its vital public footpaths to commercial encroachment, forcing pedestrians into unsafe streets.”
In a city growing as rapidly as Srinagar, public spaces are becoming increasingly precious. Among the most neglected of these are footpaths—basic civic infrastructure meant to ensure safe movement for pedestrians. Sadly, in many parts of Srinagar, these footpaths no longer serve their intended purpose. They have been steadily encroached upon, turning walkable spaces into commercial extensions and leaving pedestrians exposed to serious risks. A walk through Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, Batamaloo, Dalgate, or several other busy market areas presents a troubling picture. Footpaths are occupied by makeshift stalls, carts, and temporary structures selling everything from vegetables to clothing and accessories. The result is simple: pedestrians are forced onto roads already burdened with heavy traffic. This is not merely an inconvenience—it is a civic failure. Children walking to school, elderly citizens, women carrying groceries, and daily commuters are all compelled to navigate through moving vehicles because the spaces meant for them are no longer accessible. In a city witnessing rising traffic congestion, such conditions significantly increase the risk of accidents. The issue, however, cannot be viewed through a simplistic lens. Street vending is not just about encroachment; it is also about livelihood. Hundreds of families depend on vending for survival. Many vendors belong to economically vulnerable sections and rely on daily earnings to support their households. Ignoring this reality would be unfair and impractical. This is precisely why earlier efforts to regulate vending through allotment of designated spaces were important. Authorities had identified and allotted spaces to several vendors in an attempt to balance livelihood needs with urban order. Yet, the plan did not fully succeed. Some vendors shifted to allotted locations initially, but many later returned to footpaths and roadside areas. Why? Because business follows visibility and footfall. If designated vending zones are poorly planned, away from customer movement, or lack accessibility, vendors naturally gravitate back to commercially viable spaces. This reflects not just non-compliance but also policy shortcomings.
“Srinagar’s civic authorities, including the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, need to balance the livelihood of street vendors with pedestrian safety by establishing dedicated vending zones and strictly enforcing encroachment rules. A modern city requires functional footpaths, safer roads, and thoughtful, proactive urban planning rather than reactive enforcement to alleviate strain on public infrastructure.”
Repeated anti-encroachment drives have similarly failed to deliver lasting solutions. Enforcement teams clear footpaths one day; stalls reappear the next. Such temporary actions may create headlines, but they rarely address the root problem. What Srinagar needs is not sporadic eviction but a sustainable urban strategy. First, authorities must acknowledge that street vending is part of the city’s economic ecosystem. Second, pedestrian rights must be treated as non-negotiable. Footpaths are public assets, and their primary purpose must remain pedestrian mobility. A comprehensive vendor policy is urgently needed—one based on proper mapping, viable vending zones, transparent allotment, and continuous monitoring. Zones must be created in locations where vendors can realistically earn without obstructing pedestrian movement. Equally important is strict enforcement against repeat encroachment. Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other civic authorities must act with both firmness and fairness. The question is not whether vendors should earn or pedestrians should walk safely. A modern city must ensure both. Srinagar deserves footpaths that are functional, roads that are safer, and policies that reflect thoughtful planning rather than reactive enforcement. The longer this issue is ignored, the greater the strain on already stressed public infrastructure. A city reveals its priorities through how it treats its public spaces. It is time Srinagar reclaimed its footpaths—for the people they were built for.
