The State government is planning to organize flea markets in different parts of Srinagar city which is likely to generate livelihood for unemployed as well as smoothen the movement of traffic in congested areas where roads are narrow and vendors in abundance.This was revealed during a meeting held under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon with a delegation of Srinagar based traders Wednesday here.He said that the idea is to lessen the burden on our roads which are already narrow and overcrowded. He said vendors take up a significant portion of roads, especially in crowded areas like Lal Chowk and Karan Nagar and through the said move, vendors shall be encouraged to set up their stalls in different parts of Srinagar on rotational basis.The Divisional Commissioner said these markets will also provide a source of employment to people from Srinagar and outside.
Meanwhile, traders delegation led by Chairman Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, Mohammad Yasin Khan also raised issues of public hygiene and parking around Batamaloo market, the delegation apprised Dr Samoon about the day-to-day problems faced by shoppers and passengers alike who visit Batmaloo market. Traders sought setting up of toilet facility at various places in Batamaloo including near Bara Pathar Masjid, Police Control Room, Petrol Pump and Fire Service Headquarters to facilitate people and to address the issue of public hygiene.Dr Samoon said public toilets are important to make Srinagar a 'clean city', and urged the SMC officials attending the meeting to involve private players like Sulabh so that such toilets, if approved, are properly maintained.
He said since there are dozens of private clinics in Batmaloo area, it should be made mandatory for the owners to have an inbuilt toilet inside such clinics. The traders also raised the issue of discrepancies in the tax structure of Srinagar Municipal Corporation on which Dr Samoon directed the corporation to frame a tax policy for shopkeepers and traders, and give it wide-publicity to avoid any confusion.The meeting also discussed the absence of street lights in many parts of Batmaloo, removal of illegal street vendors near Iqbal Market and the lack of parking facility, both for traders and shoppers, in the area which usually causes massive traffic snarls.The officials of Srinagar Development Authority attending the meeting informed that a new parking facility is being set up for traders and shoppers in Batmaloo which will be soon handed over to traders associations. The J&K Police officials also said they will ensure smooth traffic flow in the area.