Srinagar, May 23: The persistent problem of vehicles being parked on the footpaths of boulevard road — a key arterial route skirting the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, has become a growing concern for both residents and commuters. This illegal practice not only compels pedestrians to walk on the carriageway, exposing them to potential accidents, but also disrupts the smooth movement of traffic.
Locals and daily commuters have voiced strong concerns, citing serious safety risks. “It has become impossible to walk safely along the footpaths. Vehicles are parked not only along the roadside but right on pedestrian walkways,” said Razaq Lone, a regular commuter. “With children and elderly tourists using the same route, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
Muneer Ahmad, another local resident, added: “The parking situation here is utterly chaotic. Vehicles stop anywhere — on footpaths road edges — blocking both pedestrian and vehicular access. This constant congestion makes smooth driving impossible.”
Fayaz Zargar, who frequently commutes on the stretch, said that it’s not just private car, commercial vehicles such as buses and taxis also park along the road. “They often halt in the middle of lanes, leading to severe traffic jams,” noted Fayaz Zargar, who frequently commutes along the stretch,” he said.
Tourists have also expressed frustration over the situation as well. “I didn’t expect such disarray in such a scenic place. I came here to enjoy a peaceful walk by the lake, but instead, I am dodging parked vehicles and dealing with relentless traffic. It’s both frustrating and hazardous,” said Sandeep Malhotra, a visitor from Delhi.
Despite earlier interventions by authorities, the issue remains unresolved. In July 2023, the Srinagar district administration declared the stretch between Badyari Chowk and Nehru Park a “No Halt Zone”, explicitly banning parking or halting of vehicles along this segment. However, enforcement has been inconsistent and footpaths remain obstructed, exacerbating safety concerns.
A stark example occurred on November 18, 2024, when an unattended Thar Jeep parked on a footpath near Duck Park rolled backwards into Dal Lake due to the slope. The vehicle flipped upside down after plunging into the water. Thankfully, no one was inside at the time, averting a potential tragedy. Residents are now calling for more permanent, physical deterrents. Sohail Nazir, a local resident said: “The footpath is meant for people, not vehicles. We need robust physical barriers, like bollards, to prevent vehicles from encroaching onto pedestrian pathways.”
