Lack of sanitation in markets raises concern across Kashmir

• KTS urges immediate construction of public toilets and drinking water facilities at all markets & bus stands

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Traders Society (KTS), Senior Vice President Umar Mukhtar Bhat, has expressed deep concern over the lack of basic public amenities, particularly toilets and clean drinking water, in public spaces especially in marketplaces, bus stops and major transit points across the Valley. In a strong appeal to the J&K administration, KTS Senior Vice President Umar Mukhtar stated, “The general public especially women, elderly citizens, tourists, students and daily commuters face immense hardship due to the absence of functional public toilets and drinking water facilities. Despite the ongoing Smart City projects, these basic needs continue to be ignored.”

He further pointed out that even where public toilets do exist, they are often locked or in a poor condition, making them completely unusable. “This defeats the very purpose of a clean and smart city. These facilities must be accessible, hygienic and regularly maintained,” he added. The KTS has urged the Jammu & Kashmir government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, as well as the Commissioner Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner and all District Municipal Committees, Councils, to immediately prioritize this critical issue.

“I also call upon our Hon’ble MLAs to take personal initiative in developing proper sanitation and drinking water infrastructure within their constituencies. These essential amenities must be available in every district, tehsil level and especially in the heart of Srinagar city,” said Umar Mukhtar. He emphasized that such measures are not only vital for the local population but also for visiting tourists, who often face the same lack of basic services. “If we are truly serious about promoting Kashmir as a clean and tourist-friendly destination, this infrastructure must be prioritized.”

KTS continues to support various awareness campaigns and seminars under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and other environmental initiatives. “A clean and well-equipped city is not a luxury, it is a basic right. The government must act now,” Bhat concluded.