Don’t ravage Srinagar’s glory

Dug up roads and footpaths, overflowing drains, stinking garbage dumps and traffic jams! These are some of the “hallmarks’ of historic Srinagar city due to haphazard execution of development projects.

Initially people of the city were elated when the Smart City Project was launched. But the way the works were executed on a war-footing basis took everybody by surprise. There seemed to be urgency to execute the works but planning was clearly missing. The problem started when works on major roads in the city were started simultaneously. There was chaos among people who have never witnessed such large-scale works in the city.

Roads across Srinagar have been dug up for laying new pipes to carry drainage water. Fate of old drainage pipelines which were laid several years ago remains unknown. After a "surgical strike" on roads in Srinagar, authorities failed to undertake timely repairs. As a result commuters are facing a tough time. They have to bear the brunt of damages of their vehicles by dilapidated roads and traffic jams too.

After years of delay, work on the Sanat Nagar flyover started earlier this month. It is indeed a welcome move to prevent traffic jams on the busy stretch on the Bypass. However, authorities have so far failed to develop roads on both sides of the flyover site to ensure smooth vehicular movement. This results in massive traffic jams in the area as vehicles have to navigate uneven muddy surfaces.

One of the classic examples of ill-planning is reconstruction of Dalgate bridge. The bridge was damaged by devastating floods in 2014. Subsequently an iron bride was temporarily laid over the damaged bridge. Finally work on the bridge started earlier this year and the project was scheduled to be completed by December this year.

The vital project witnessed massive delay in execution. The bridge is so important that its closure led to traffic jams in city centre areas. The bridge connects Dalgate road with many areas, including the city centre, Downtown, and Boulevard. Now the bridge is scheduled to be completed by March 2024.

The road stretch from Nowpora to Khanyar was dug up several months ago for laying drainage pipes. Despite the passage of a long time, the vital stretch connecting Downtown with city centre areas has not been macadamised not to talk of even repairs. The stretch has become a nightmare for commuters due to the uneven surface. This too deflates the balloon of turning Srinagar into a Smart City.

Another example of slow pace of development is Noor Bagh bridge. The bridge is important as it will help to check traffic congestion from north Kashmir to Srinagar. The construction of the bridge has been going on since 2011. The bridge was scheduled to be completed within four year, however over a decade has passed now.

Despite construction of a new drainage system across the city, roads in several areas are waterlogged after a downpour. This happens when pipes are not properly laid or connected with dewatering stations.
Similarly there has been delay in the functioning of the Intelligent Traffic Light System (ITLS) in the summer capital to address traffic jams. In many cases, departments pass the buck for delay in completion of development works, ultimately it is the people who suffer.

The Smart City project is in full swing in Srinagar. Undoubtedly, some of the Smart City projects like Jhelum riverfront, refurbished Polo View and Lal Chowk are emerging as attractions for locals and tourists. What takes the sheen off Smart City projects is the slow pace of work, especially in Downtown.

People shouldn’t feel that there are two yardsticks for the execution of similar projects in Uptown and Downtown Srinagar. There has to be equitable development.

Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), a Special Purpose Vehicle created under Smart City Mission envisions transforming Srinagar into an eco-friendly, resilient and socio-economically vibrant city that
celebrates its natural and cultural heritage creating harmony and opportunities for all. The Srinagar Smart city project comprises two parts: (a) Area Based Development with an estimated amount of Rs. 2869.24 crores and (b) Pan city Solutions with an estimated cost of Rs. 765.03 crores. Funding is not a problem as in the past. Only proper execution of works is the need of the hour.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has made development of Srinagar as one of his top priorities. “Srinagar Smart City is a role model for other cities of the country with impactful pedestrian plazas, recreational spaces by the waterfronts. One can feel the soul of this city with excellent urban design of streets and public spaces,” the LG had stated while addressing Mayors, Municipal Commissioners, Chief
Executing Officers and officers representing 100 Smart Cities to J&K for experiential learning through project visits of Srinagar Smart City recently.

It is a dream of the LG to provide vibrant public spaces to enhance aesthetics, ensure quality of life and bring positive change, solace in the lives of the people of Srinagar.
Authorities have to gear up to realise this dream and make Srinagar a Smart City in every aspect. It is high time to press the accelerator and finish the work within stipulated deadlines.

We have to understand that for the success of development projects, proper planning and execution is a must. Deadlines must be adhered to. We have to learn lessons on how developmental projects are executed worldwide without causing much disturbance to the environment and people

Srinagar is not only an abode of 15 lakh people but also one of the preferred tourist hubs of the country. Srinagar is a repository of rich history and culture. The city needs sustainable development to protect its unique social, cultural and environmental characteristics.

Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir