Srinagar, Mar 05: Congress leader and Media Coordinator Kashmir, Dr Audil Farooq Lasjan has strongly endorsed the concerns raised by National Conference (NC) MLA Ahsan Pardesi regarding the exclusion of Vethpara and Padshahi Bagh from municipal and block limits.
However, he asserted that the issue extends far beyond these two areas and must be addressed comprehensively across the entire Lal Chowk Assembly Constituency.
“Delimitation should not be dictated by political convenience but by ground realities—population growth, infrastructure expansion and the need for efficient governance,” Dr Audil said in a statement issued here.
He said rationalising municipal and panchayat wards must be a well-planned, transparent process ensuring equitable representation. “While the MLA’s intervention is significant, redrawing boundaries cannot be confined to selective choices. The process must be guided by population density, administrative efficiency, and community interests, ensuring fairness at every level,” he said.
Stressing the importance of inclusivity, he added, “Citizens, local bodies, and experts must have a voice in this process to uphold transparency and public trust.”
Dr Audil said he had already discussed the issue with the Chief Secretary, who assured him that appropriate steps would be taken to resolve it promptly.
He highlighted the misplaced zoning of several key areas. “Padshahi Bagh has been placed under Ward Mehjoor Nagar of Chanapora Assembly Constituency, while Vethpora and the zoo on the left bank of the river in Lasjan have been merged into Ward 5 Panthachowk,” he said.
He further lamented the neglect of Zewan, Zawora and their adjoining regions, saying these areas have been overlooked for far too long.
“The people of Pandrathen up to Sonwar, including Shivpora, Indra Nagar and Batwara are caught in a governance deadlock due to the dual control of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and the Cantonment Board. This bureaucratic entanglement only breeds inefficiency and frustration,” the Congress leader said.
Calling for an impartial and well-structured delimitation exercise, Dr Audil said, “Lal Chowk Assembly Constituency deserves a rational and transparent restructuring—one that prioritises people over politics, ensuring every resident receives fair representation and access to efficient governance.”
