Public parks, riverbanks in Srinagar turn into drug hotspots

Srinagar, Apr 10: In a concerning trend, several public parks, riverbanks, and playgrounds across Srinagar are increasingly being misused for drug abuse, turning once family-friendly spaces into hubs of illegal activity. Residents, particularly the elderly and parents, have expressed deep concern over the growing presence of youngsters indulging in substance use in open spaces meant for recreation.
According to residents, this growing menace is not confined to a single location. Public areas such as Chinar Bagh Park in Dalgate, Kursoo Rajbagh, Padshahi Bagh, the Eidgah playground, and Old Zero Bridge have become common gathering points for groups of young people — many of them students — who linger until late in the evening. Locals allege that these spaces have gradually turned into what they describe as “dens for drug addicts”.
“The park used to be a place where children played and the elderly came for walks. Now, we avoid it altogether,” said Hanief, a resident of Dalgate. “Every evening, groups of youth gather, and it’s obvious they’re using substances. There’s no supervision, and it feels unsafe.”
Another local from Rajbagh added, “It’s heartbreaking to see what’s become of these places. What was once a peaceful park is now somewhere we hesitate to even walk past, especially after dark.”
The concern isn’t limited to parks alone. In Kursoo and Padshahi Bagh, the riverbanks along the Jhelum have also become regular spots for suspected drug users. Locals frequently report disturbing scenes during evening hours. “The absence of consistent police patrolling has created an environment where users and peddlers operate freely,” said Manzoor Ahmed, a resident of Kursoo.
One of the most worrying developments, locals say, is around the Old Zero Bridge, which connects the city centre with Rajbagh and other parts of the uptown area. “The bridge used to be a pleasant walk for residents. Now, it feels like a zone spiraling out of control. Unless authorities intervene, it may soon be another drug hotspot,” said Asif, a concerned local.
Vendors and business owners along the the historic Bund have also voiced concern. “The Bund used to be a proud symbol of our city’s culture,” said Ashraf, a shopkeeper. “Now, it’s heartbreaking to see youth indulging in immoral activities in broad daylight.”
The growing presence of drug users in such public areas points to a much deeper and more troubling crisis in the region. According to official data, between 2022 and 2024, more than 25,400 individuals were registered as drug users in outpatient departments (OPDs), while 1,595 required inpatient treatment (IPD). Though OPD cases declined—from 9,775 in 2022 to 6,925 in 2024—the number of IPD admissions more than doubled, from 306 to 703, indicating a troubling rise in severe addiction.
When contacted for a statement regarding law enforcement efforts, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Imtiyaz Hussain, was unavailable for comment.
Meanwhile, as concerns continue to rise, residents are calling for immediate action — urging regular police patrolling, stricter crackdowns on drug peddling, and better surveillance in affected areas. “Without consistent presence, these spaces will keep getting worse,” said Bilal from Rajbagh.