Slow pace of Smart City works pester Srinagarites

Srinagar, July 25: The sluggish pace of Smart City works compounded by open manholes and abandoned construction material on roads is severely hitting vehicular and pedestrian movement in various areas of the summer capital.

Commuters said that work on various Smart City works at Khanyar, Bohri Kadal, Saraf Kadal, Rajouri Kadal and Nawa Kadal is going on at a snail’s pace.

They said at many construction sites, leftover material, pipes, and open manholes have been left unattended. They said it not only poses risk of accidents but also triggers traffic jams in these areas. They said the issues are most prevalent in Downtown areas, including Khanyar, Gojwara, Nowhatta, Bohri-Kadal, and adjoining areas where Smart City works are going on at a slow pace.

“This issue is not only posing safety risk but has defaced these areas. Despite work being completed at some places, this leftover material has taken a toll on us. There are children and elderly walking around, and it causes hindrance to all pedestrians,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local. The locals said that after finishing the footpath work, the authorities left the manholes open or in a dilapidated state, which has created problems for them.

“What is the purpose of fixing a place when you are leaving it in shambles? There are huge pipes lying around Downtown which have been there for months, and now one is being held responsible,” said a commuter. The locals in Downtown said that for want of final touches, the whole development work is left in lurch. They said in footpath work, many patches are yet to be fixed while the contractors are moving to new places to work.

“This is the reason that despite development work done at sites, these still looking shabby. We hope that authorities will look into the issue as it is about safety and beautification,” said Manzoor Ahmad from Downtown.

CEO of Srinagar Smart City Ltd, Owais Ahmad, told the media that the majority of the projects in Smart City are completed.

“We have already completed 110 projects, and work on 60 projects is ongoing. We are only left with finishing touches, which will be completed soon,” he said.