By Malik Nazir
In every district, the central chowk or square stands as more than just a traffic junction. It is the heart of urban life, a landmark that reflects the town’s identity. For Bandipora, often described as the “Gateway to Gurez,” this space must evolve into a vibrant public arena equipped with modern street amenities and safe pedestrian zones to ensure smooth mobility. A well-planned chowk not only enhances the town’s aesthetic appeal but also becomes a focal point for community interaction, local commerce, and an inclusive public space that meets contemporary needs.
With changing times, however, Bandipora now requires a fresh, modern vision. The area around Gulshan Park presents a perfect canvas to reshape the town’s core into a space that blends functionality, beauty, and community life. What Bandipora needs is a people-centric redesign rooted in order, convenience, and character.
At the heart of this transformation lies Gulshan Chowk, the symbolic centre of Bandipora. While improved in recent years with fountains and fencing, the space deserves a reimagination that turns it into a true civic hub, not merely an ornamental zone.
A defining addition could be a clock tower, similar to those in Lal Chowk, Ganderbal, Sopore, and other towns. This elegant landmark would represent Bandipora’s identity and pride, offering both aesthetic appeal and a strong sense of place. It could become a natural meeting point and memory spot for the entire town.
“Every district has a heartbeat — for Bandipora, it is Gulshan Chowk. More than a traffic junction, it deserves to be the town’s living symbol of order, identity, and civic pride.”
A modern Gulshan Chowk should become the true heartbeat of Bandipora, where transport, trade, and togetherness intersect. Introducing a small bus bay near Gulshan Park would make public transport smoother and safer. Fixed bus stops and clear schedules could prevent traffic chaos and ease pedestrian movement.
Equally important is parking management. The upcoming parking facility is a welcome move, but its success depends on smart entry and exit planning. A rational system charging slightly higher fees for surface parking than indoor parking could promote discipline while remaining affordable.
The outsourcing of surface parking, as practiced successfully in several parts of Srinagar, could be adopted here too. Such a step would ensure professional management and generate steady revenue, which in turn could be used to maintain the chowk continuously without overburdening public funds.
Public amenities should also include paid toilet points nearby to ensure cleanliness, convenience, and dignity for all visitors. These facilities can be maintained through user charges, ensuring they remain functional and hygienic.
“Bandipora doesn’t need another ornamental fountain or fence. It needs a people-centric space where mobility, community, and aesthetics coexist.”
In addition, clean drinking water facilities and open access to Gulshan Park from all sides by removing unnecessary fencing and introducing shaded seating and designated vending zones could transform the park into a vibrant evening destination for families, students, and elders.
Beyond recreation, the chowk can host cultural events, awareness drives, and civic gatherings, becoming a living, breathing public space rather than a passive structure. To achieve this, it is crucial to engage and hire urban planners and local architects to prepare a comprehensive design.
Their professional expertise will ensure the plan is technically sound, culturally rooted, and meets modern urban standards.
This vision is not about politics, criticism, or comparison; it is about civic pride and collective aspiration. Bandipora may not yet be a “smart town,” but it can certainly have a smart chowk that is clean, functional, and people-friendly.
With thoughtful planning and local participation, Gulshan Chowk can become a model for how a small town evolves gracefully, preserving its soul while embracing progress.
“The idea of a smart town begins with a smart chowk — one that balances transport, trade, and togetherness through thoughtful planning.”
It is time for this transformation to begin from the heart of Bandipora, for the generations who will one day call it their proudest landmark. Let those in the corridors of power be remembered by future generations for transforming this chowk into a beautiful symbol of pride and identity.
The writer can be contacted at maliknazir.a@gmail.com. The conceptual visual in this article was contributed by Shoaib Sheikh, a professional architect and urban planner from Bandipora.
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