Srinagar Municipal Corporation which is known for patronizing and backing street vendors to encroach foot paths and roadsides Friday claimed that they cleared various footpaths encroachments and street vendors from Batamaloo, Hyderpora, Parray Pora, Jehangir Chowk, Residency road, Lal Chowk, Press Enclave, Dalgate and other areas.The handout issued by the SMC states that, “in continuing with its anti encroachment drive the Corporation cleared various footpaths” while the fact is that it is SMC which has been supporting and backing these vendors who operate illegally in the city. “From past ten years SMC continues to clear Amira Kadal foot path from fisher women but the next day we all see they come and occupy the same foot path. We know what is happening inside SMC and how the officials there are minting money from the street vendors,” a local from Srinagar told CNS.“It is not SMC only but the police as well as the politicians who encourage these vendors to carry on their illegal business on foot paths and road sides. On Monday foot path along Biscoe School is cleared while the next day they occupy it again. These vendors grease the palms of police and SMC officials and that is why they dare to occupy these foot paths,” said another citizen.
“Last time a reporter wrote about this illegal trade and the then SSP Srinagar booked him under subversive act. This is the state of affairs. When rulers are like this what else you can expect from the people,” another citizen from Srinagar said.The nexus between police and SMC officials is taking a heavy toll on Traffic Department. “SSP Traffic Srinagar wants all roads clear but the corrupt officials obstruct his endeavor as a result we often see traffic jams on roads.”“Please don’t believe in SMC when they claim that they have cleared the foot paths. They do it for publicity and just to befool the people while the reality is that their every drive is an eyewash.” Ironically Chief Enforcement Officer Syed Nisar Shah in a handout to CNS claimed that they cleared various footpath encroachments and street vendors from Batamaloo, Hyderpora, Parray Pora, Jehangir Chowk, Residency road, Lal Chowk, Press Enclave, Dalgate and other areas but when CNS reporter visited these area’s during night hours the vendors were still there carrying their illegal daily business. (CNS)