Srinagar, Mar 17: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the Assembly that the Smart City project in Zadibal is nearing completion. This statement came in response to a question raised by National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA for Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq.
Sadiq had asked whether the execution of works under the Smart City Project was progressing at a slow pace and sought an update on the current status of the project. He also inquired about the steps being taken to ensure its timely completion.
Responding to these concerns, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the portfolio of the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD), said, “The Upgradation and Redevelopment of Nishat Sathu from Nishat to Dhol Dum project, taken up by Srinagar Smart City Limited in September 2022, is now in its final stages.”
The CM acknowledged that the project had faced several challenges, leading to delays. He explained that since the construction was primarily manual, materials had to be transported manually across the site. In addition, shifting LT/HT poles created technical hurdles, and opposition from local residents further complicated the process.
“There was some resistance from locals regarding the conversion of the proposed cycle track and walkway into a vehicular road. This, along with logistical issues, caused unavoidable delays,” Abdullah informed the Assembly.
Despite the setbacks, the project is now in its final phase. “The remaining work, including minor finishing and the installation of fishing decks, is progressing rapidly,” the CM stated. He assured that “resources are being mobilized on a war footing, and the project is likely to be completed by March.”
