CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami criticised the implementation of the ongoing ₹980-crore Smart City project in Srinagar. File
| Photo Credit: Nissar Ahmad
The CPI(M) on April 25 criticised the implementation of the ongoing ₹980-crore Smart City project in Srinagar and raised “deep concern”.
“The ongoing haphazard works, which are in contravention to the master plan, have increased the vulnerability of city dwellers. The excavation process and shrinking of roads have reduced the space for vehicular traffic, while the entire city has been defaced, resulting in the bulk of construction and demolition waste with huge environmental impacts,” senior CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami mentioned.
He mentioned the authorities appeared to have strayed away from the fundamental thought of the project.
“It has drifted from giving a decent quality of life to citizens in terms of a clean and sustainable environment and application of smart solutions to public issues keeping the citizens at the centre,” Mr. Tarigami mentioned.
He demanded the Smart City Project should be applied in sync with the Master Plan 2035 permitted by the authorities. “The Master Plan is a dynamic long-term statutory document, which provides a conceptual layout to guide future growth and development of a city,” he added.
Mr. Tarigami mentioned the locals anticipated a greater life with higher public providers and governance. “Unfortunately, the scenario continues to be grim as the statutory policy documents like master plan, mobility plan and other policy documents have been completely ignored while implementing the smart city projects,” Mr. Tarigami mentioned.
He mentioned the initiatives comparable to cycle observe, redevelopment of Polo View market, Jhelum Riverfront Development and so forth. ought to contribute considerably to the total growth of cityscape slightly than destroying the current character and performance of it.
