15/07/2025
Karan Nagar residents allege mushroom growth of commercial hubs
Say “mafia” converting homes into offices; demand probe by SMC
Srinagar: Residents of Karan Nagar in Srinagar City have raised serious concerns over the alleged illegal conversion of residential properties into commercial establishments, claiming the practice is disturbing the peace of their locality and choking the area’s infrastructure.
Locals from the area informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that some people— ‘a mafia’ -- have converted the residential area into a commercial hub.
They said among multiple examples is a residential colony located opposite Caset School and near Lake City Plaza, which has now turned into a commercial hub, with over 15 offices allegedly operating out of a single building that had initially been sanctioned for residential use.
“This is a residential area. But a house here like many others, which had permission for residential purposes, is now being used to run more than a dozen companies,” said an aggrieved resident.
He said the roads are always jam-packed, lanes and by-lanes are blocked and the entire neighborhood is turning into a commercial mess.
The residents from the area also accused a powerful “mafia” of manipulating permissions and using residential properties for business activities.
“The authorities must investigate how these permissions were granted and who allowed this misuse. We demand that the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) form a committee to probe the matter,” another resident added.
They further alleged that such violations are not limited to one area. “From Mughal Darbar stretch to Goal Market, Kaka Sarai and beyond, the residential buildings are being turned into commercial spaces, making it impossible for locals to live peacefully,” the residents said.
Other locals also claimed they are now being forced to consider leaving the area due to the daily chaos and noise.
Notably, the residents have appealed to the SMC and higher authorities to intervene, verify the nature of permissions granted to such structures and take strict action against violations.
