Smart City infrastructure vandalised near Nishat Garden
Srinagar, Jan 11: Electric infrastructure installed under the Srinagar Smart City Project in front of the iconic Nishat Garden has been vandalised by miscreants.
Officials said this raises concerns over the growing menace of damage to public property despite heavy investments aimed at beautifying the city’s tourist and heritage locations.
Officials said electric bollards and illumination lights installed at the Nishat frontage were uprooted, broken, and damaged, posing serious safety hazards to visitors and marred the aesthetics of one of Srinagar’s most frequented tourist destinations. The incident comes at a time when thousands of tourists are visiting the city, particularly heritage gardens along the Dal Lake.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar Smart City Limited has formally taken up the matter with the police. In a letter addressed to the Station House Officer, Nishat, the Smart City authorities stated that “some unidentified miscreants have deliberately damaged electric infrastructure, including electric bollards and illumination lights installed at Nishat Frontage under Srinagar Smart City Project, causing significant damage to government property and posing serious safety hazards to visitors.” The letter further notes that theft and breakage of electric connections have disturbed the overall aesthetics of the project site and seeks immediate intervention to prevent further vandalism.
Officials said the Nishat incident is part of a larger pattern that has plagued Smart City works over the past few years. They said manhole covers installed at various locations have been stolen, benches placed in city centre areas dismantled, and videos have surfaced on social media showing bicycles installed for dedicated cycling tracks being broken and rendered unusable.
“This is extremely discouraging. These projects are meant for the people. They beautify the city and enhance the experience for residents and tourists alike. When such infrastructure is vandalised, it not only wastes taxpayers’ money but also paints a grim picture of our civic sense,” said Qayoom Kirmani, Chief Engineer SSCL.
Many Srinagar residents have also voiced their resentment over the issue, condemning the repeated vandalism of public assets. “We are an educated society, and such acts do not reflect who we are. A few miscreants tarnish the entire city's reputation. These facilities are for everyone, and damaging them only harms us,” said a group of locals near Nishat.
Officials have appealed to citizens to treat public infrastructure as shared property and safeguard it, stressing that parks, cycle tracks, lighting, and other facilities are created for public use and enjoyment, and their protection is essential for the city’s future.
