Time to preserve projects

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has been witnessing a major civic transformation under the Smart City Mission. Under this mission, the historic Amira Kadal Bridge has been redeveloped as a pedestrian bridge and is expected to be dedicated to the public shortly. The newly designed bridge will not only ease the public movement around Lal Chowk but will also emerge as a tourist attraction, similar to Zero Bridge and old Habba Kadal, which will bring additional tourist footfall to benefit the local businesses. Under the Smart Cities Mission, various infrastructure and urban development projects have been undertaken in Jammu and Srinagar, focusing on road and traffic management improvements, upgradation of public transport systems, development of pedestrian-friendly spaces and walkways, smart surveillance and security infrastructure and waste management and sanitation initiatives. A couple of projects including Jhelum River Front, Polo View Pedestrian Market, pedestrian bridges etc, have been revamped under the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), which caught the eye of the people, visiting from different parts of the country. The Smart City initiatives, from public transport to urban aesthetics are expected to redefine civic infrastructure and quality of life in the summer capital. However, the concerned agencies at the same time need to close vigil on these projects once dedicated to the public to ensure any restoration and mandatory works post the inauguration are done timely without any wait. These projects are the assets for the people, but what needs to be done is to take adequate care to preserve the sites for the people and help the local business to grow further.