SMC intensifies anti-encroachment drive across Srinagar; clears footpaths and hospital entrances

• We have zero tolerance for encroachments," says Chief Anti-Encroachment Officer Mohammad Syed after clearing illegal shop extensions

SRINAGAR: Continuing its intensified campaign against illegal encroachments, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Friday carried out a robust anti-encroachment operation across multiple localities in the city, under the supervision of Chief Anti-Encroachment Officer Mohammad Syed The operation targeted unauthorized extensions by shopkeepers, mutton and chicken vendors and other commercial establishments who had illegally occupied footpaths, pavements, hospital entrances and roadside spaces by placing cages, merchandise, and concrete structures outside their premises. These encroachments, obstructing free pedestrian movement and vehicular flow, were immediately dismantled and confiscated on the spot.

A key highlight of the drive was the clearance of entry points to major hospitals and healthcare centers, which had long been clogged by illegal stalls and obstructions. These areas, essential for patient access and emergency services were thoroughly cleared, ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare for the public. Addressing the media, Chief Anti-Encroachment Officer Mohammad Syed emphasized that the primary objective was to ensure public convenience and safety. “We are taking strict action against those who have illegally extended their shops onto public spaces. Footpaths, roads and hospital zones are for public use and we will not allow anyone to violate that,” he said.

Key areas covered in Thursday’s operation included Batamaloo, Shamshan Bhoomi Dood Ganga, Jehangir Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, LD Hospital, Qamarwari, Bemina, B.B. Cantt, SKIMS Soura, 90-Feet Road and adjoining localities. In a firm warning to repeat violators, the SMC also served “Show Cause Notices” under Section 181 of the SMC Act 2000, directing immediate evacuation of encroachments.

The notice states that if violators fail to dismantle their encroachments within three days, they will face:Fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 under Sections 116 and 119 of the SMC Act, 2000; Prosecution under Sections 277 and 230, including the possibility of FIR registration;  Forced removal of illegal structures by the SMC, at the violator's cost

According to the notice, the encroachers had been repeatedly warned by Ward Officers and Anti-Encroachment Officers, yet continued with their unlawful activities, demonstrating clear disobedience and non-compliance. This prompted the Corporation to escalate enforcement with legal proceedings and punitive measures.

The Chief Officer reaffirmed that the anti-encroachment campaign will continue across all wards of Srinagar City. “This is not a one-time drive. We are committed to restoring public pathways and ensuring that Srinagar remains accessible, safe and clean. Violators must either comply or face strict legal action,” he warned.

The drive aims to improve urban mobility, promote civic order and reclaim public spaces, especially in high-traffic and high-footfall zones. The residents of Srinagar have lauded the efforts of SMC, particularly the strong and visible supervision of Mohammad Syed and his team. Many citizens welcomed the removal of long-standing obstructions that had made walking and commuting difficult in commercial and hospital areas.

"This was much needed. We hope the SMC keeps up this momentum and does not bow to pressure from violators," said a local resident Parvez Ahmad. As Srinagar continues to urbanize rapidly, this bold initiative by the SMC is being seen as a positive step towards better urban governance and public accountability.