Smart cities must blend heritage with modernity: Lt Governor

Srinagar, Jan 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated the redeveloped Amira Kadal bridge in Srinagar.
The project, costing Rs 7.70 crore under Srinagar Smart City limited was launched in December 2023, ensuring due diligence in heritage conservation, structural safety and quality control.
Dedicating the pedestrian wooden bridge to the people of Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said the historically significant project will preserve legacy while improving urban mobility and quality of life.
“Our prime objective is to lift the quality of life to a new level with modern technology and inclusive design.
We have made it a mission to protect the soul of every city while upgrading or renovating the infrastructure. By preserving historic lanes, bridges, traditional markets, lively squares and peaceful green spaces, we have made efforts to weave amenities into the cultural heartbeat of each city,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the renovation and upgradation of a city’s infrastructure should become a bridge, beautifully linking heritage with the needs of today.
This approach is already visible in the several cities of J&K. Jhelum Riverfront, Lal Chowk, MA road redevelopment, Redevelopment of Polo view High Street, Traditional Souq Market and craft centre Batmaloo, Development of lake front including walkways on Northern Foreshore road from Nishat to Naseem Bagh Habak, Improvement of Ghats along Jhelum, Improvement of Facade of Heritage Markets of Shehr-e-Khaas, Srinagar, Improvement of road from Dogra Chowk to KC chowk, Apsara road High Street, Street development Canal road Talab Tillo, Street development of heritage site Mubarak Mandi to Raghunath Bazaar, approach to Bahu Fort Temple, Ranbir canal Blue-Green Walkway projects, Tawi River front now pulse with fresh appeal, drawing not just tourists enchanted by their timeless charm, but also giving boost to businesses and the local economy is gaining real strength and momentum.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that by breathing new life into our cities through preservation of cultural heritage, we are honoring the roots. He said that this commitment is about more than upgradation of infrastructure; it is about building a brighter, more resilient tomorrow for young generation.
“A true smart city is never just about new infrastructure. It is about sparking an entirely new way of quality living, which is vibrant, efficient and inclusive,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Interacting with local shopkeepers and traders, the Lieutenant Governor said that the opening of the pedestrian bridge will improve accessibility, boost commercial activity, and provide a pleasant experience for tourists.
Ahsan Pardesi, Member of Legislative Assembly from Lal Chowk; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Faz Lul Haseeb, CEO, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), senior officials, members of trade associations and prominent citizens attended the inaugural ceremony.