Traders Federation, Transport Bodies Give 3-Day Ultimatum to MC Handwara Over Garbage, Defunct Washrooms

Handwara, Nov,14:The Traders Federation Handwara, along with five transport bodies of the sub-district, on Friday issued a three-day ultimatum to the Municipal Committee (MC) Handwara to clear accumulated garbage from the Handwara Bus Stand the largest bus stand in North Kashmir and to restore seven defunct washrooms across the town, especially those at the historic Chinar Park and the main bus stand.

Today at around 4:30 pm, the presidents of various transport unions and elected representatives of the Traders Federation assembled near the entry point of the new Handwara Bus Stand to hold a peaceful protest against the unhygienic conditions, non-functional washrooms, and unattended garbage points scattered across the town.

Responding swiftly, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Tehsildar) Handwara Zeeshan Khan, accompanied by SDPO Handwara and SHO Handwara, reached the spot and jointly inspected the filthy condition of the bus stand and the abandoned washroom blocks. They immediately contacted MC Handwara officials for urgent intervention.

Later, a senior employee from MC Handwara arrived at the location and assured the protesters of prompt garbage clearance and necessary action on other issues raised by the trade and transport bodies.

During the interaction with the Tehsildar, the trade representatives questioned the logic behind starting construction of a new washroom block two days ago while two existing washrooms defunct for the past five years could be made functional with minor repairs costing around Rs 10,000.

They alleged that this reflects a “construction mafia culture”, aimed at unnecessary expenditures and misuse of public funds. The Federation demanded that MC Handwara halt the new construction immediately and first renovate the old washrooms, on which an estimated Rs 10–20 lakh had already been spent earlier.

After assurances from the Tehsil Magistrate and police officials regarding genuine redressal of their demands, the protesting traders and transporters dispersed peacefully and returned to their business establishments.

Meanwhile, Headlines Today attempted to contact the Executive Officer (EO), MC Handwara, for an official statement regarding the matter, but the officer didn't respond to repeated calls.