‘Address issues to boot our economy’
While traders across Jammu and Kashmir face massive issues on every front, the traders and heads of business establishments in summer capital Srinagar have many sordid tales to share.In a candid interview, the newly elected President of Traders Association, Regal Chowk, Manzoor ul Haque, urged government to address the issues on priority basis to increases the employability and economy across the markets.
What are main issues encountering the traders here?
Manzoor ul Haque: Unfortunately, the issues are always there! Right from the day begins. People can’t go out for a walk because of the stray dogs all around. They are a threat to everyone here on the streets. One cannot think of gong out without a stick in the morning.
The unattended manholes are another issue. Suppose you are following a four wheeler and cannot see the manhole and you land into it, what would you do? Then the vendors on footpath come and there as no space to even walk. Due to all this inconvenience, customers move to other places. When the day ends, you can’t see things because the street lights don’t work an area. Then again you go for a morning walk! It’s a vicious cycle.The traders want rehabilitation. After floods, the non insured traders faced huge losses and nothing was done for them.
Are you addressing some of them at your level?
The main issues that I am trying to address are mostly related to the traffic mess. Due to which, parking space also becomes a very big issue for us. Moreover, the drainage system in the area is also pathetic. The drains get clogged on rainy days leading to waterlogging. It drives the customer away. It affects our business.
What would be the key issue leading to the loss of business?
It’s the barricade! You can see that opposite to Women’s College is a four way route. To ‘regulate’ the traffic, it has been reduced to one way. The customers then have to go to the other end to take a u-turn. There is already is market over there. Why would they come here then?
Have you ever brought the issues to the notice of the government?
Of course, we did. In the previous regime, when National Conference was in power, we did appeal to the Drainage & Sewage department, Srinagar Municipal Corporation but nothing happened.
Illegal parking has turned into another nuisance. How are traders dealing with it?
We proposed to the government to provide the traders with a parking space at Press Colony at subsidized parking fees. It happened. But it didn’t work. Plus, the traffic mess is too much to be handled now. And today no parking means any business.
Do you want some more additions in Lal Chowk?
Yes, we need more ATMs around the City. One is coming up. However we need some more form the bank authorities.
What would be your appeal to the government now?
I would like the government to tackle all the issues around the area as, directly or indirectly. It affects the business. Provide relief to the traders. Remove the barricade and keep at like. Clear the traffic mess, make more parking spaces, repair the street lights and build more ATMs.
What do you suggest to the government?
If the government decades, at can do anything It can revamp the whole area. As far as we are concerned, we would cooperate. If the barricades are kept there for VIP movement or during the early morning hours, we won’t mind. It’s a two way process. If government takes a initiative, we would be the happiest to help.
