Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 19: Incessant rainfall over the past two days in Kashmir has dampened the festive spirit of shoppers ahead of Eid ul-Fitr, marking the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan, which is expected to be celebrated on Friday or Saturday depending on the sighting of the moon.
The heavy rainfall has severely affected the footfall of shoppers and shop owners in Srinagar’s city centre, Lalchowk, and other major markets. The constant downpour has caused people to stay indoors, resulting in a lack of customers during the Eid festivities, which usually attract a large crowd.
This situation has disappointed shoppers and business owners alike, who are concerned about the negative impact on the region’s economy. “Preparations for Eid are underway, but the rain has hampered and disturbed the fervour. There is no rush in the market compared to last year,” said Fatima Khan, a local resident.
Speaking about the situation, Khalid Ahmad, a shop owner, said that the freak weather for last few days has affected business on Eid this year. “The rain has been unrelenting, and people are staying indoors. Usually, we would be busy attending to hordes of customers, but this year it has been slow. We are hoping for better weather over the next few days,” he said.
Many shoppers have also cited the ongoing smart city construction work as a major deterrent. “The construction work has made it difficult for people to get around. With the added problem of the rain, it is just not worth the hassle to go out shopping,” said Zahra Ali, a college student.
The Smart City project was initiated in 2017, and it has gained momentum over the past year, with several prestigious projects under construction across the city. These projects include the construction of buildings, better roads, footpaths, and cycle tracks, along with the installation of traffic lights and welcome hoardings in designated locations.
Despite the challenges, some people are still hopeful that they can make the most of the festival. “I know the rain has put a damper on things, but Eid is still Eid. We will still celebrate with our loved ones, even if we can’t go out shopping as much,” said Aisha Hussain, a homemaker.
However, the rainfall has not only affected the Eid celebrations but has also caused inconvenience to the public due to waterlogging and traffic jams in many areas. The locals urge the Government to take immediate measures to tackle the situation and provide relief to the affected people.”
The Government should take immediate steps to tackle the water logging problem across the valley to ensure hassle-free movement,” a local said.
The Meteorological Department has predicted more rainfall in the coming days, which is likely to further impact Eid preparations. The authorities have urged people to stay indoors and avoid going out unless necessary.
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