SRINAGAR: To boost local commerce and provide employment opportunities, the administration is considering establishing a Sunday market in the Sekidafar–Eidgah corridor of Srinagar’s Shahr-e-Khaas. Srinagar’s upmarket flea market is already a huge hit and is now very popular with tourists.
An official spokesman said to assess the feasibility of this endeavour, the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, embarked on a comprehensive tour of the proposed market location and its surroundings. He led a team of officers on the explorative visit.
During the visit, the Shahr-e-Khaas Traders Association warmly welcomed the Deputy Commissioner, showcasing the proposed area for the Sunday market near Eidgah. The President of the Kashmir Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Javed Ahmed Tenga, also participated in the tour, raising several pertinent issues affecting the downtown area.
As part of his assessment, the Deputy Commissioner issued a series of directives to the relevant departments. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was instructed to undertake necessary preparations, including site cleaning, sanitation, and debris removal for the proposed Sunday Market. The condition of the pathways and roads leading to the market area also garnered attention, with instructions given to the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department to address macadamisation and tiling needs.
The potential Sunday Market’s proximity to historic landmarks prompted the Deputy Commissioner to emphasise preserving the area’s aesthetics. Additionally, considerations were made to enhance the overall infrastructure and hygiene of the region, ensuring a pleasant shopping experience for both locals and visitors.
The Deputy Commissioner expressed the intention behind this initiative, highlighting the objective to provide a platform for local traders while simultaneously offering convenience to the residents. The Sunday Market proposal aligns with the larger goal of creating opportunities for youth employment and fostering economic growth within the community.
Srinagar’s Sunday market is basically a flea market that also sells brand-new items. It usually operates on Sundays between TRC to HSHS and is very popular with people.
