Srinagar: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has intensified its anti-encroachment operations across key areas of the city in a sustained campaign aimed at clearing public pathways, easing traffic congestion, and restoring vital public spaces. The drive is being spearheaded by SMC’s Chief Anti-Encroachment Officer, Mohammad Syed, under the directions of the SMC Commissioner.
Over the past few weeks, SMC enforcement teams have carried out sweeping anti-encroachment operations in several market zones and high-traffic areas where illegal shop extensions, roadside encroachments, and vehicles parked by car and motorcycle dealers have been creating serious obstructions for both pedestrians and vehicles.
“This is not a one-time activity, but a continuous drive,” said Mohammad Syed. “Our focus is on areas where pedestrian movement is severely disrupted and traffic congestion is worsened due to illegal encroachments.”
Syed added that formal notices had been issued to all violators, giving them an opportunity to voluntarily remove encroachments. “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 hardship due to blocked footpaths and narrowed roads,” he said.
The drive has been particularly focused on areas such as Sanat Nagar, Khayam, Karan Nagar, Hyderpora, Tengpora, Batamaloo, Shaheed Gunj, Bemina, Qamarwari, and stretches along the Bypass from Bemina to Parimpora. In these areas, SMC teams have cleared multiple illegal stalls, structures, and vehicles parked on public roads.
Sensitive locations near major hospitals and traffic junctions—such as JVC Hospital, Children’s Hospital, SMHS Hospital, and the Shalteng-Parimpora stretch—have also been targeted, given the impact of encroachments on emergency services and public safety.
Syed expressed appreciation for the growing public support toward the initiative. “The general public and other stakeholders have welcomed our efforts. People now realize that public pathways and roads belong to everyone. Shopkeepers have a responsibility to maintain civic order and should refrain from occupying space that affects public movement,” he said.
He also warned of strict action against repeat offenders. “This drive will not stop. Wherever encroachments reappear, our teams will act swiftly. We are doing this for the collective well-being of Srinagar’s citizens.”
The SMC has appealed to the business community—particularly roadside vendors and auto dealers—to cooperate with the administration. With consistent enforcement backed by legal notices and public awareness, the corporation aims to restore civic order and make Srinagar more pedestrian- and commuter-friendly.
