Smart City total failure : PDP

Srinagar, Jul 8: PDP leader Arif Laigroo has strongly criticised the National Conference (NC)-led elected representatives for failing to safeguard public interests in Srinagar, particularly in Habba Kadal and adjoining areas.

In a statement, he  said the recent spell of rainfall has fully exposed the hollow claims of the so-called Smart City project, which has turned into a nightmare for residents instead of bringing any relief.

Laigroo pointed out that areas including Nawabazar, Fateh Kadal, Habba Kadal, Jamalatta, Islam Yarbal, and surrounding localities have been severely affected by water-logging. Shockingly, before the so-called development works, these areas rarely faced such issues even during heavier rains, he said.

“This is not Smart City, it is suffering city. The situation on the ground is disastrous. Drainage has collapsed, roads are flooded, and to make matters worse, there is no drinking water available in many of these localities for days,” Laigroo said.

He accused the local NC leadership, especially MLA Shamima Firdous, of turning a blind eye to the hardships faced by the people. “They were elected to represent the people but have failed on every front. Their silence and inaction are adding to the misery of common citizens,” he said.