Administration defends move to decongest town
Shopian, June 27: The relocation of street vendors to a newly designated vending zone has sparked resentment among traders in Shopian, with many alleging a sharp decline in business and inadequate facilities at the new site. While the administration says the move is aimed at decongesting the town and streamlining vending activities, affected vendors claim it has jeopardised their livelihoods and diminished the traditional vibrancy of the historic market.
Under the new arrangement, the administration has allotted 168 vending slots in the designated zone, leaving several other vendors on a waiting list.
For decades, Shopian’s street vendors have been an integral part of the town’s commercial life, particularly around the Jamia Market area, which attracted large crowds, especially on Fridays. Social activist Mitha Gatto said the relocation has stripped the town of its distinctive market atmosphere.
Several vendors said their incomes have plummeted since the relocation. Mohammad Sidiq Lone, who has been operating a cart in the town for 35 years, said he had consistently paid the Municipal Council’s daily fee and earned enough to support his family, including meeting the medical expenses of his wife. He said the move had left his family’s future uncertain.
Farooq Ahmad, formerly stationed at Zero Point on the Mughal Road, claimed that in the week since shifting to the new zone, he had earned less than ₹1,000 in total, while Shamim Ahmad, a vegetable vendor near Jamia Masjid for three decades, said he had never faced such a severe financial crisis, even during prolonged lockdowns.
Apart from reduced customer footfall, vendors also complained about the lack of basic infrastructure at the new site. They said poor lighting and additional transportation costs have further added to their difficulties.
Responding to the concerns, Executive Officer of the Municipal Council Shopian, Suhail Ahmad Malik, said the administration was taking steps to improve facilities at the vending zone. He said gates were being installed to secure the area at night, while the lighting system had been put in place and was being made operational. He also said CCTV cameras had been installed, with live monitoring available at the Municipal Council office to ensure the safety of vendors.
Despite these assurances, many vendors remain dissatisfied, saying the new location has significantly affected their daily earnings and the character of Shopian’s traditional marketplace.
