Baramulla, Feb 08: Municipal Council Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district has warned the street vendors against using megaphones and loudspeakers within the municipality limits.
Officials at the MC Sopore said that the use of such devices is causing inconvenience to the local residents, particularly senior citizens and students, as the blaring noise is disrupting their studies and daily routines.
The Municipal Council has also ordered the vendors to carry their registration certificates with them at all times to avoid any legal action.
The officials said that the residents have raised complaints about the increased noise pollution caused by the usage of loudspeakers for business purposes by street vendors.
An official at the MC Sopore told Rising Kashmir that multiple complaints were received through social media and phone calls by the department from local residents regarding the rampant use of loudspeakers in the market.
“Strict action will be taken against vendors found using megaphones, and loudspeakers within the municipality limits,” he said, adding that the carts and vehicles of such vendors will be seized on the spot.
President Municipal Council Sopore, Masarat Kar told Rising Kashmir that the move is aimed at reducing noise pollution in the area.
“Following the citizens’ complaints, an order was issued to ban the use of loudspeakers by street vendors in the market as it has a direct impact on students and senior citizens,” she added.
Schools are opening in March and the use of loudspeakers outside schools will be a big issue for the students, she said, adding, “This was discussed earlier in a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Baramulla and we implemented it on a priority basis in Sopore.”
Masarat also said that vendors who are registered with the council have been directed to carry their municipal registration certificates at all times, failing to do so will result in legal action against them.
“We have asked the vendors to keep registration certificates along with them so that the seasonal vendors will not be allowed to roam around in the market which is creating traffic issues in the area,” she said. “By this process, the local vendors can avail loans under the Central Sector Scheme which is fully funded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs which can improve their lifestyle.”
Municipal Council Sopore is committed to ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for all residents, be they vendors or citizens, Masarat said.
