Owais Gul
Srinagar, Jul 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said waterlogging issues are being thoroughly studied to develop a comprehensive project to transform Srinagar into an “actual” Smart City.
Addressing a gathering at Bone & Joint Hospital during the inauguration of its new 120-bed building, CM Omar said that recent hour-long rains have exposed the poor state of roads in the city. “I wonder where the funds allocated in recent years have gone. As head of the Housing and Urban Development Department, I have directed a detailed study on waterlogging to devise a plan that will truly make Srinagar a Smart City,” he said.
“We, too, are responsible for the current situation by not strictly adhering to guidelines and failing to maintain proper road conditions,” Omar added.
The Chief Minister said that no amount of infrastructure development, whether roads, power projects, or commercial complexes, can replace the need for quality healthcare and education. “Without strong schools, colleges, universities, and hospitals, our societal progress remains incomplete,” he said.
Recalling the legacy of the Bone & Joint Hospital, Abdullah paid tribute to its resilience over the past 30–35 years. “From natural disasters to tragic accidents, this hospital has stood as a symbol of dedication and strength,” he said.
He recalled the 2014 floods when floodwaters threatened to overrun the hospital. “I vividly remember standing under this bridge, trying to protect the hospital from being inundated. Despite the destruction, the hospital never turned away those in need; it continued to serve the people,” he said.
The CM also mentioned the fire in 2022 that destroyed key sections of the hospital, including four operation theatres, referral rooms, teaching areas, and wards. “Even without a roof for six months, our doctors and administrators resumed surgeries within days. Their dedication is commendable,” he praised.
Referring to the vision of ‘Sher-e-Kashmir’ Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who inaugurated the hospital in May 1982, Omar expressed pride in continuing that legacy. “Today, we open a new chapter. This hospital will serve not just Srinagar, but patients from across the valley, including Chenab, Pir Panjal, and Kargil,” he said.
Sharing a personal anecdote, the Chief Minister revealed that he was once a patient at the same hospital after a cycling accident five years post-inauguration. “Thanks to the skill of our surgeons, I can still run 10 to 12 kilometres at age 55. That speaks volumes about the quality of care here,” he added.
Abdullah called for staffing the new facility effectively. “We didn’t open this hospital just for a photo opportunity. Its success depends on having beds occupied, operation theatres functional, and faculty teaching future doctors,” he said.
