Residents unhappy over poor pace of works under Srinagar Smart City project

SHAKEELA ANDRABI

SRINAGAR: A Meeting of Srinagar Smart City Advisory Forum (SSCAF) was held in Meeting Hall of TRC, Srinagar, which was attended by the Member of Parliament (LS), Mayor of Srinagar city, Commissioner SMC/ CEO SSCL, Chief Engineer PW(R&B) Department, VC SDA, besides traders’ fraternity, technical experts, and members of civil society. At the outset, CEO Srinagar Smart City, Athar Aamir Khan made a detailed presentation on various projects under Smart City Mission including River Front Development, Water Transport, Road redevelopment, ICCC, ITMS, Urban mobility, city beautification, central business district up-gradation, etc.
While residents of Srinagar are worried about slow pace of work on Smart city project, they told STATE TIMES Correspondent that mere meetings are being held by officials and while ground-level work is not satisfactory. Residents of Srinagar further claimed that almost all essential routes like Eidgah SKIMS road as well as link roads are in miserable condition, causing problems for pedestrians, transporters and especially Ambulances. “Street lights are non-functional, traffic signals are not followed, intelligent traffic light system is not operative, major footpaths of city are occupied by shopkeepers and roadside vendors,” said commuters. Majid Shafi, a resident of Srinagar said SMC is unable to resolve even basic issues as foul smell is spreading all over city due to wastes, which are not being treated scientifically. “What can we expect from SMC commissioner who is also CEO of Srinagar smart city project,” he questioned.