While addressing Srinagar Conclave of High-Level Committee on Urban Planning of the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said that his administration is committed to urban transformation and building sustainable, inclusive, resilient and safe cities that serve people’s needs and effectively tackle economic, social and climate challenges. He emphasised that our cities are growth engines of the country and also play a key role in fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of citizens. Increasing urbanisation reflects growing aspiration therefore urban planning should be able to build sustainable infrastructure and enable residents to prosper. The conclave will come up with recommendations for future urban planning and thus help formulating a sustainable and future oriented urban plan.
It goes without saying that Srinagar has faced neglect for decades and in absence of proper urban planning, we have created mess here. So many new residential colonies have come up in the outskirts of Srinagar without any proper planning. People have spent millions and billions and constructed palatial houses in these colonies but most of these colonies lack proper roads, drainage and sewerage. Approach roads are so narrow that, God forbid, if a fire incident takes place, fire engines may not be able to reach the spot. The most pressing issue in almost all colonies of drainage and sewerage. The floods of 2014 were an eye opener for the government as well as the people. It were the unplanned and haphazard constructions all-over that resulted into the disaster. However, no lessons were learnt either by the people or the respective governments and very little was done to correct the past follies.
Now that Srinagar has been declared a Smart City, one expects Smart Thinking by town planners. Sustainable urban planning focuses on creating cities that are livable, environment friendly, and economically viable. Need is to involve residents and other stakeholders to ensure that the future urban plans reflect local needs and aspirations. The planners should encourage a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. reduces the need for long commutes and promotes walkability. The experts need to plan infrastructure that supports growth, reduces vulnerability to climate change, and enhances quality of life. The planners need to be futuristic. While doing their job they should keep in mind future changes in population, technology, environmental conditions etc and thus plan for flexibility and adaptability in urban design and infrastructure.