Vendors with loudspeakers on rise, residents demand regulation

Srinagar, Feb 05: From the streets of Srinagar to quiet villages of the Valley, residents are increasingly frustrated by the persistent use of loudspeakers by vehicular street vendors. What was once a common practice in the cities has now become a source of daily disturbance, particularly in rural areas where people seek peace.
For many villagers and town dwellers, the early morning and late-night blaring of loudspeakers from vendors selling vegetables, household goods, and other essentials has become an unwelcome routine. The noise pollution has triggered complaints to local authorities, with residents demanding immediate action.
“I understand that vendors need to make a living, but there should be some limits,” said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla. “It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s becoming a serious health issue. The noise is stressful, especially for the elderly and children.”
The issue isn’t confined to one district. People from South Kashmir to North Kashmir have expressed similar concerns, stating that vehicles with loudspeakers roam the streets from dawn till late in the evening, making it difficult for families to rest or concentrate on daily activities.
“It’s impossible to get a good night’s sleep,” said Rukhsana Begum, a resident of Kupwara in North Kashmir. “The noise starts early, and it continues late into the night. We’ve had enough of it. We need some peace in our homes.”
“For years, our mornings were peaceful, with birds chirping and the sounds of nature,” said Shabnam Jan, a homemaker from Pulwama. “Now, before the sun fully rises, we wake up to blaring loudspeakers announcing the price of vegetables. It’s disturbing, and it’s not fair to the residents.”
Locals in Ganderbal share similar disturbances. “The loudspeakers are everywhere, even in the quietest corners of our town,” said Mohammad Tariq, a resident of Ganderbal. “The vendors don’t realize how disruptive this is to people trying to live normal lives.”
Vendors, however, argue that using loudspeakers is necessary to attract customers, especially in an era where traditional marketplaces are losing prominence. Some vendors claim they were unaware of the extent of the nuisance and are willing to cooperate if regulations are introduced.
“We have been doing this for years, and it is how we make our sales,” said Riyaz Ahmad, a vendor in Srinagar who sells mobile glass items. “I never realized it was bothering anyone. If there is a way to limit the volume or the time of day, I am happy to follow it.”
“Other cities have noise pollution laws, so why not here?” questioned Asif Wani, a schoolteacher from Srinagar. “A balance must be struck between business and public comfort. If vendors can follow certain guidelines, it will be a win-win situation for everyone.”