SMC launches major anti-encroachment drive across Srinagar city to clear footpaths and key market areas

• Drive aims to restore public convenience, says Chief Anti-Encroachment Officer Mohammad Syed
• Encroachments blocking pedestrian movement will not be tolerated; Formal notices served to violators

SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has stepped up its anti-encroachment operations across key areas of the city in a sustained drive aimed at clearing public pathways, decongesting traffic routes and restoring public spaces. The campaign is being led by SMC Chief Anti-Encroachment Officer, Mohammad Syed, under the order of the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation.

In recent weeks, SMC teams have launched a major Anti-Encroachment Drive in different market areas and high-traffic zones where roadside encroachments, illegal shop extensions and vehicles placed by car and motorcycle dealers were obstructing pedestrian and vehicular movement. “This is not a one-time activity, but a continuous drive. Our focus is on locations where pedestrian movement is heavily disrupted and traffic congestion is worsened by illegal encroachments,” said Mohammad Syed, emphasizing the department’s commitment to reclaiming public space.

Syed said that “We have issued formal notices to all violators and given them time to remove their encroachments voluntarily, Our aim is not to harm anyone’s livelihood but to ensure that city infrastructure works for everyone, especially the common citizens who face daily hardships due to blocked footpaths and narrowed roads.”

The operation has been particularly focused on areas like Sanat Nagar, Khayam, Karan Nagar, Hyderpora, Tengpora, Batamaloo, Shaheed Gunj, Bemina, Qamarwari and bypass stretches including Bemina to Parimpora. In these zones, several illegal structures, stalls and parked sale vehicles on roads have been cleared.

The Chief Anti-Encroachment Officer also pointed out that locations near major hospitals and traffic junctions such as JVC Hospital, Children’s Hospital, SMHS Hospital and the Bypass near Shalteng and Parimpora have witnessed severe encroachments, hampering not only traffic but emergency services as well.

Syed appreciated the public support the initiative has garnered, “General Public and other stakeholders have welcomed our efforts. People now understand that public pathways and roads belong to everyone. Shopkeepers have a role in maintaining civic discipline and should avoid occupying space that affects public mobility.”

He also cautioned that strict action will continue against repeat violators. “This drive will not stop. Wherever encroachment occurs, our teams will reach and dismantle it. We are doing this for the collective well-being of Srinagar’s citizens.”

The SMC urges the business community, especially vendors and auto dealers, to cooperate with the administration and help create a more pedestrian- and commuter-friendly city. With a consistent anti-encroachment policy, backed by field enforcement and legal notices, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation aims to restore order on the city’s roads and ensure public convenience takes priority.