Srinagar: Some elements across the border are constantly trying to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir, but terrorism is in its last leg, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said here on Monday.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating several projects under the smart city project, Sinha said the administration and the security forces were fully prepared and will not let those elements succeed.
“People of Kashmir understand and many, including religious preachers, have openly condemned such acts (of violence). When a lamp is about to go off, its flare flares more. It (militancy) is in its last leg, but they are trying for the return of those days (when militancy was at its peak). The administration and the security forces are preparing with their full might (to deal with it),” Sinha said.
He said a huge change has taken place in the mindset of the people in J&K.
“Some elements across are constantly trying to disturb peace… it does not favour them that there is a huge influx of tourists (into the valley) and the economy is growing. The people here have to understand this, and I feel our strategy will succeed,” the LG said.
Earlier Sinha laid the foundation stone of various projects under Srinagar Smart City.
The projects included upgradation and redevelopment of Nishat-Sathu and Nishat Bagh precinct; Lake Front development along Northern Foreshore road of Dal Lake from Nishat, and redevelopment and beautification of Shalimar Canal, an official press release informed.
The LG said that the new projects are aimed to transform Srinagar from a crowded city into one of the most pedestrian- and cycle-friendly cities in the country.
Underscoring the need for preserving the essence of the city as the foundation of any development work, the LG said that the Smart City projects will also restore values of art and cultural heritage.
“Shalimar Canal’s innovation-driven redevelopment plan focuses on contemporary aspects of sustainable development while providing prominence to cultural and historical aspects to create a vibrant public space. This project will also connect the Shalimar Bagh with water transportation,” observed the LG.
Similarly, the cycling track and walkways for pedestrians on Nishat Road will help in restoring the beauty of Dal Lake and create better facilities for the visitors to experience the rich heritage, the LG added.
He also highlighted the efforts being made by the government to develop smart urban mobility, electric transport system, cycling tracks, special walkways for pedestrians, water transport for transforming Jammu and Srinagar into more sustainable cities.
The LG also urged the people to adopt eco-friendly modes of transportation which are ideal for the urban environment.
A modern cycling track and pedestrian path will be constructed on the Hazratbal to Nishat road, he added.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor also flagged off a fleet of Litter Picker Machines.
Athar Aamir Khan, CEO Srinagar Smart City Limited and Commissioner SMC briefed the LG on the projects worth Rs 74 crores for which the foundation stones were laid today.
He informed that Nishat-Sathu will be upgraded and redeveloped by way of Cycle Track, Walkway and Viewing/Fishing Decks; Nishat Bagh Precinct project includes Road works, Pathways, Plaza, Wooden Deck and Landscaping, while Lakefront along Northern Foreshore road of Dal Lake from Nishat will be developed by way of Pedestrian Walkway, Cycle track and Viewing decks.
Redevelopment and beautification of Shalimar Canal project includes Placemaking and improvement of Access etc to Shalimar garden, he further informed.
Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Mohammad Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, besides prominent citizens from all walks of life were present on the occasion, the press release informed. (With PTI inputs)
