Tariq Nabi Bhat
Shopkeepers in the Polo-View part of Srinagar city Tuesday observed a shutdown amid protest against the lack of parking space for the traders and shoppers as well.
The protesting shopkeepers downed their shutters and blocked the traffic.
While talking to news agency some of the members of Polo-View Traders Association said that there was a designated parking space for the shopkeepers behind the market but that has been closed by the administration under the smart city project.
“We were informed that this space will be turned into a road under smart city project. Where will we go and where will we park our vehicles. It will drastically reduce the shoppers’ footfall,” they said.
“We are not against beautification of Srinagar city but at least think about us, about our business. We need a permanent parking space,” the protesting shopkeepers said.
They said the business has got affected due to the closure of parking space. “No customer is coming to us because they have no space to park their vehicles,” a shopkeeper said.
When contacted, an official said that there is a proposal of turning Polo-View market into a pathway, and a road for vehicles will be created from behind the market. “There are many parking lots in Srinagar city but for these shopkeepers, parking space will surely be created,” he said. (KNT)
