by Afreen Ashraf
SRINAGAR: Traders at Goni Khan market have expressed their concern over the unchecked garbage accumulation along the market lane, warning that the mounting waste is diminishing the visual appeal of the market and jeopardising their livelihood. “If the problem is left unchecked for long, it will seriously affect our business in the future,” a shopkeeper said.
The market serves as a source of livelihood for many, as it attracts customers from every part of valley. However, the current situation of market is alarming as it is turning into an unpleasant and unhygienic space. “Our sales are getting impacted as the buyers no longer stop here,” a concerned street vendor said.
The lack of dustbins is cited as one of the main factors for the unattended garbage in the market. Both shopkeepers and customers of the market are affected by growing heaps of garbage dumped on the streets.
“I wanted to throw a food wrapper, but there are no dustbins across the lane. It is quite shocking how such a busy market does not have a single dustbin,” said Farhana Maqbool, a frequent customer.
The shopkeepers claim that they repeatedly appealed to the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to address the issue, but the department has shown negligence towards the issue. “We have complained about this issue many times to the in-charge, but still no action has been taken,” said Muzaffar Ahmed, President of Goni Khan Market..
Muzaffar Ahmed, a shopkeeper, revealed that the traders are compelled to clean the market every morning, a duty which lies with SMC. “This market still looks presentable only because we sweep in front of our shops every day, otherwise it would have lost its charm long ago,” he said.
As the Goni Khan Market stands at a crucial point shopkeepers are demanding that authorities take quick action to regulate the waste collection and installation of dustbins before the situation woresens beyond repair.
