Bandipora’s Gulshan Chowk craving for attention

The historic Gulshan Chowk at Bandipora district headquarters in north Kashmir is craving for attention. Despite its significance, the chowk, which once served as a taxi stand, has seen only minor face-lifts over the decades.

These include the renovation of Gulshan Park and the construction of two large fountains, which  commuters and pedestrians complain are of little to no relief.

“The fountain not only shrinks the parking space in the chowk, but has also become much of a hindrance”, locals complain. The locals are now making fervent appeals to dismantle the “concrete monster,” in the chowk and restore the Chowks past glory. Moreover, they demand damaged lights inside the park area and chowk be repaired. In addition to make additional resting areas in the chowk besides measure to make the park eco friendly. Besides seeking help from the government and municipal council and the locals want them to get “serious” about reshaping and renovating this historic chowk a victim of unsatisfactory planning.