Srinagar: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday demanded a comprehensive economic and housing package for residents of Srinagar’s old city, saying the historic Shehr-e-Khaas has suffered decades of neglect and requires focused intervention.
In a statement, Bukhari said many residents of the old city are facing economic hardships, inadequate housing facilities and limited livelihood opportunities, which he said have created uncertainty among the younger generation.
“Acute poverty is evident in the localities of the old city, historically known as Shehr-e-Khaas. Many residents live in inadequate housing, and overcrowding is a common reality. In many cases, two or even three families are forced to share a single house,” he said.
He said the living conditions reflect years of neglect and inadequate urban development, adding that residents deserve better housing, quality education and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Bukhari also raised concerns over employment opportunities for youth, saying the existing reservation system does not adequately benefit most residents of the city. He said many people do not fall under reserved categories except the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and pointed out that the EWS quota has been reduced from 10 per cent to 3 per cent.
“For many young people, the future appears bleak, with little hope of securing stable employment and a decent livelihood,” he said.
The Apni Party chief said unemployment, limited economic opportunities and inadequate housing have contributed to wider social concerns, including delays in marriages among youth.
“The old city is the soul of Srinagar and cannot be left in its present condition. The residents deserve better living conditions, quality education, decent housing, and access to sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
He urged the elected government to take up the matter with the Union Government and seek a special economic and housing package for Srinagar’s old city.
Bukhari also highlighted infrastructure challenges in downtown areas, saying the city requires urgent improvements in drainage, roads and public services.
“Recently, even an hour of rainfall left several downtown areas of Srinagar flooded, while waterlogging disrupted normal life for hours. This clearly shows that the city’s drainage system is inadequate and in urgent need of improvement,” he said.
He called for modern urban infrastructure and sustained attention towards improving basic civic amenities in the city.
