The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Oct 16: A delegation of the Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), led by its president Mohammad Yaseen Khan, on Thursday called on the newly posted Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner and CEO of Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), Dr Basharat Qayoom (IAS), to congratulate him and discuss civic and trade-related issues affecting the city.
The delegation included senior KTMF members Bashir Ahmad Rather; Qazi Tauseef, president of the Munawarabad Traders Association; Javaid Ahmad Zargar, president of the Jamia Traders Federation; Arif Kareem, president of the Hari Singh High Street Traders Association; and Mukhtiar Ahmed Bawan and Basharat Ahmed Khajawaal of the Polo View Traders Association (North).
Congratulating the Commissioner, Khan expressed hope that his tenure would bring renewed attention to the city’s civic challenges and the long-pending grievances of traders.
Khan apprised the Commissioner of the sanitation fee levied on business establishments, delays in building permissions, the growing problem of street vending and other issues. He stressed the need for a balanced approach that ensures effective municipal services while safeguarding the legitimate interests of established traders.
Representing downtown Srinagar, Zargar highlighted the deteriorating condition of roads, lanes and bylanes in the Jamia Masjid area, which he said was causing hardship to traders, residents and devotees. He also raised issues concerning Jamia Market and the marriage hall at Chandpora, urging the authorities to address them on priority.
Kareem voiced concern over the unchecked growth of street vending and its impact on established businesses and pedestrian movement. He called for effective regulation and proper enforcement of existing rules so that public spaces remain accessible and commercial activity stays orderly.
Khajawaal, spokesperson of the Polo View Traders Association (North), and Bawan, its chairman, spoke about the difficulties facing traders at Polo View Market. They said the market had lost much of its commercial character after restrictions made it non-motorable, hurting customer access and business. They urged the authorities to review the traffic arrangements and find a practical solution to revive the market.
The Commissioner gave the delegation a patient hearing, acknowledged the issues raised and assured them they would be examined. He appreciated the delegation’s constructive feedback and underlined the importance of stakeholder participation in improving civic administration and addressing ground-level concerns.
KTMF welcomed the Commissioner’s response and expressed hope that sustained coordination between the SMC and the trading community would resolve the long-pending issues. The Federation said regular engagement with stakeholders is essential for improving civic amenities, strengthening commercial activity and ensuring balanced development of Srinagar.
It expressed confidence that the new Commissioner would give due consideration to the genuine concerns of traders and work towards making Srinagar a cleaner, better-managed and more business-friendly city.
