Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Wednesday said that the development demands of the people of Srinagar have been forsaken by the incumbent administration.
Addressing a meeting of the party’s Women’s wing functionaries, YNC and parent body of the Zadibal constituency, JKNC Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said that Srinagar city boasts all the elements to become a world-class city but the incumbent administration has failed to channelize it. Among the party’s local unit functionaries Provincial women’s wing President Er. Sabiya Qadri was also present on the occasion.
In his address, Tanvir said, “Srinagar is surviving without basics. Congested roads, shortage of basic civic amenities, dusty markets, choked interiors, sprawling unemployment, and deepening insecurities of artisans present a horrible picture. People living in Shahar e Khas know how grueling it is to wait for public transport and how much time it takes to cover even short distances.”
He said the development deficit, policy paralysis, and missed targets are the only highlights of Srinagar city. “Projects initiated by the then previous successive NC led governments have been consigned to cold storage. The inordinate delay in the completion of the Meerak Shah-Zakura road started by the then Omar Abdullah-led government is a relevant instance.”
“The major road project slated to serve as a key surface link in the old city has been mired by missed targets for a decade now. Similarly, there are other projects that have seen exponential cost escalation due to missed completion deadlines. The urban mess that Srinagar city finds itself in is marked by inadequate electricity & water supply, solid waste management, sanitation, economic & efficient public transport, urban mobility, digitalisation, affordable housing, strong & comprehensive information technology, and overall good governance,” he added.
He stated that Srinagar city needs a holistic project of revitalization of Shahr-e-Khas (Old Srinagar City) focusing on its cultural, and craft heritage.
