The Municipal Council Bandipora and Revenue Department, responsible for addressing such concerns, have failed to remove encroachments from roads in the market. This negligence significantly impacts the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in Bandipora Market.
Built with proper town planning in the late 60s by then Prime Minister Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad after a devastating fire incident, Bandipora town featured 90-degree roads with two parallel roads running parallel to the main market from Nowpora up to Jamia Qadeem (Ward No 05). Unfortunately, successive administrations have not only neglected to safeguard these roads but have also overlooked any potential expansion. The proposal to open these parallel roads for light vehicles could reduce frequent traffic jams on main roads.
Despite the administration's initial decision to redirect light vehicular traffic through Khadim market, the entire stretch of Khadim Market has fallen victim to encroachments by shopkeepers. Surprisingly, the Municipal Council Bandipora seems to be endorsing such encroachments by collecting fees from vendors who set up stalls on roads especially around Gulshan Chowk, providing them with legal protection.
During Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's aggressive drive against encroachments, Bandipora has a distinction of standing out as the only district where substantial on-ground action was lacking, with only media statements issued regarding encroachment drives. The damage to the Nussu-Mehmoodabad Bagh road last year has compounded the market's issues, diverting all traffic to the main market road and resulting in persistent traffic jams. Despite a year passing, the administration has failed to repair the damaged road, placing an additional burden on the business community, especially shopkeepers.
The absence of a proper parking slot in the town exacerbates the issue, particularly during Army Convoy or VIP movements, where traffic comes to a standstill, and customers are prohibited from parking outside shops. Even in normal hours, customers are hounded if they visit a shop in a car. They are challaned or their tyres are flattened while shopkeepers watch helplessly. Customers prefer to buy from the corner shops instead of visiting the market. Bandipora Town, after Srinagar, is unique in having multiple Bus Addas, three separate Auto Stands, and four Sumo Stands, yet it lacks a single designated bus stand. Deputy Commissioner Bandipora faces the challenge of resolving these town issues to ensure the return of business and pristine glory to the Bandipora market.
