Traffic Chaos Ahead of Eid Cripples Trade; KEA Seeks Guv’s Direct Intervention
Srinagar, May 29, KNT: The Kashmir Economic Alliance on Wednesday blamed persistent traffic chaos for crippling business activity across the Valley ahead of Eid, saying the prevailing disorder has virtually paralysed commercial movement in Srinagar and other district towns.
KEA Chairman Haji Muhammad Yasin Khan said the pre-Eid period is critical for traders who depend on festive shopping to sustain their livelihood, but massive gridlocks have driven shoppers away from markets, leaving commercial hubs deserted.
He accused the Traffic Police of failing to implement a coordinated traffic plan in consultation with stakeholders, particularly traders. Instead of easing congestion, Khan said traffic personnel were seen imposing challans on already choked roads, further aggravating the situation.
According to Khan, the Central Business District of Lal Chowk has been worst hit, with prospective buyers avoiding the city centre due to unmanageable congestion.
KEA media head Farhan Kitab said absence of proper parking arrangements and ineffective traffic regulation have shattered the business community’s hopes of reviving trade during the peak shopping season.
Khan sought personal intervention of Governor SP Malik and urged Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmed Khan to immediately engage stakeholders and put in place corrective measures to restore normal traffic movement and public access to markets. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
![PCC Asks DC Pulwama to Shut Down Illegal Brick Kilns, 18 Brick Kilns Face Regulatory Violations, 7 Listed Without Consent Pulwama, Aug 8, KNT: Pollution Control Committee has asked Deputy Commissioner to shut down illegal brick kilns in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The latest status of brick kilns operating in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has revealed serious regulatory concerns, with 18 units listed either without consent, with expired Consent to Operate (CTO), or under a “Refused” status. The status details show that seven brick kilns are listed as operating “Without consent”, indicating that the units do not have the required regulatory consent to operate. The seven units are Dar Brick Kiln (415) at Alliepora Shahoora, LBK changed into Bhat Brick Kiln (151) at Nownagri Pulwama, Kamran Brick Kiln 777 at Parigam Newa, Budshah Brick Kiln at Audoora Pulwama, JKB Sanzan (151) at Astapora Sanzan, 417 Brick Kiln changed into 7HH at Achan Litter Pulwama, and Five Star Brick Kiln at Wahipora Pulwama. The list further shows eight brick kilns with expired CTOs, meaning their consent to operate has lapsed. These include Hilal Brick Kiln, Allie Brick Kiln, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Sunflower Brick Kiln, Jalal Brick Kiln, Magray Brick Kiln, Thoker Brick Kiln (A-No) and Shahoorа Brick Kiln (ATM). Another three units have been marked “Refused” in the consent status. These are Mir Brick Kiln at Hastikhud Zadoora Newa, Gulmour Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora and Dar Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora. The status as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also contains brick kilns holding valid CTOs, indicating that the regulatory violations are not uniform across the district. The findings assume significance in view of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee's direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to initiate action against brick kilns operating without the requisite permissions and in violation of environmental regulations. The presence of multiple units with expired or refused consent, besides those listed without consent altogether, raises serious questions over their continued operation and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the district. The concerned authorities are now expected to verify the operational status of these units and take action against those found functioning without valid statutory consent. [KNT]](https://newsagencyknt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brick-Kiln-390x220.jpg)
