Parl panel reviews Smart City works in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 11: The 18-member Parliamentary Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs, led by Chairperson Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, on Monday visited Srinagar to review ongoing Smart City initiatives, urban infrastructure development and civic improvement works.
The delegation inspected key development sites across the city, including riverfront beautification projects and other urban renewal works carried out over the past few years under the Smart City programme.
Officials from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) briefed the committee on progress in sanitation systems, public infrastructure, traffic management and redevelopment of public spaces.
Speaking to reporters here, Chairperson Reddy, said the committee is on a study tour to understand ground-level development and assess the impact of urban projects implemented in recent years.
He said the 18-member delegation includes MPs from different political parties and backgrounds, working together to suggest improvements for urban and rural development across the country.
The panel first visited riverfront development works, followed by a stop at Balidan Stambh, where members paid homage. Later, the delegation visited the famous Lal Chowk Clock Tower and observed ongoing civic and infrastructure improvements under the Smart City mission.
Reddy said the committee will hold further discussions in Srinagar and additional meetings in Gulmarg to better understand local issues and development needs.
Stressing the importance of stability, the Chairperson said peace is the most important factor for Kashmir’s tourism and economic growth. “Srinagar has strong tourism potential due to its natural beauty and improved infrastructure, but sustained peace is necessary to ensure steady tourist inflow,” he said.
Reddy further said that tourism is the backbone of the local economy, and greater confidence among visitors, especially young tourists, could significantly improve Kashmir’s global image and economic activity. (KNO)