Kupwara: Authorities in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district have failed to make footpaths available for the pedestrians, putting the lives of hundreds of people at risk.

“In crowded markets, shopkeepers and hawkers have encroached the roadsides, shrinking the roads further for the pedestrians. The pedestrians while walking on the busy roads are facing a tough time,” locals told this reporter.

They said the situation in Kupwara especially in Iqbal market, Jamia Masjid road, bypass road and its adjacent areas has turned ugly in absence of the footpaths.

“Besides, the commuters have no specific place to park their vehicles. The commuters in absence of the parking place leave their vehicles on the roads, leaving pedestrians as well the commuters to suffer,” they said.

The situation is no different in the residential areas s the footpaths there are being occupied by the street vendors

“We appeal the KMC (Kupwara Municipal Committee) to take action regarding the issue,” the locals demanded.

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