Inaugurates revamped Old Habba Kadal bridge in Shehr-e-Khaas
Srinagar, Jan 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday said Srinagar has emerged as the model of urban transformation in the country due to the smart city project.
He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the renovated Habbakadal bridge in Shehr-e-Khas (interior areas) of the city here.
The biggest accomplishment for the Shehr-e-Khas, according to the LG, is the Srinagar Smart City Project, under which work on the Jhelum River Front Phase Two, at the estimated cost Rs 17.85 Cr, has begun.
Srinagar city, he claimed, has become the buzz of major Indian towns and that the new initiative would improve quality of living in the city. He said the video of Srinagar from December 31st evening went viral more than the videos from Goa or other Indian states.
“Srinagar has emerged as the model of urban transformation. Today, Srinagar’s urban transformation is the talk of the country. In fact, it is talked about in a much better way than other cities of the country. The officers of Smart City Project have worked with utmost dedication. I am grateful to the people of the city as well for supporting it,” Sinha said.
The LG said the renovation of the bridge under the Smart City Project is a huge gift for the people of the Shehr-e-Khas.
Work has also started for the 5-km Jhelum Riverfront phase two at the cost of Rs 17.85 crore and it would have 24 ghats, he said.
“I think it will improve the quality of life of the residents of the city, especially people of Shehr-e-Khas,” he added.
When asked whether the old city was ignored by the previous regimes, the LG said, it would not be appropriate to say whether it was ignored or not, but whatever is happening at the moment is good.
Pertinently, Srinagar Smart City Limited has completed extensive restoration of Old Habba Kadal which includes structural retrofitting, new wooden decking, heritage-styled wooden gazebos and kiosks, restoration of traditional style balustrades and grill-work, laying and installation of utility ducts, stone pitching and re-construction of Ghat on River Jhelum, entry plazas and gates, improvement of façade of adjacent buildings, lighting and illumination, an official press release informed.
It said the restored bridge will serve as a vibrant social hotspot, offering a welcoming space for community interaction in the lively neighborhood of Shehr-e-Khaas.
The LG also laid the foundation stone of Jhelum Riverfront Phase-II from downstream Budshah Bridge to Chattabal Weir at a cost of 17.82 crore.
Jhelum Riverfront Phase-II project has been envisioned to enhance the quality of the Jhelum Riverfront and restore the city’s linkage with the river.
The project under Phase II includes the restoration of 24 Ghats in Shehr-e-Khaas, Stabilization of embankment, Stone pitching of bunds, Improvement of Access Street to Ghats, Ghat Steps and Surface improvement, Ramp Access at Water Transport Ghats, Improved Illumination, Guard rails and supports, Jetty, Boat Charging points, Antiskid paving and Seating spaces.
Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner/Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Dr Owaid Ahmad, CEO Srinagar Smart City Limited, senior officers of police and civil administration were present.
