Srinagar, Nov 16: Asserting that without peace, development is not possible, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday urged the people to play their part in maintaining peace and harmony in the region.
“The union territory has witnessed a significant change in recent years, with the era of conflict profiteers coming to an end,” Sinha said, adding, that certain elements are still trying to disrupt peace and incite violence.
Sinha urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to play a proactive role in maintaining peace. He said that if everyone works together, a lasting peace can be achieved in the region.
Addressing a function after inaugurating four Dal lakefront projects of Srinagar Smart City Limited as part of his call for development, Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significant impact of destabilised peace on development, specifically underscoring potential repercussions on the tourism industry, economy, and employment generation in the region.
“We must recognise that the advancement in tourism is directly fuelling improvements in infrastructure and urban transformation,” he stated. “Our pride should be derived from the strides in development and transformative initiatives, rather than from the association with an individual responsible for the loss of a hundred lives.”
Emphasising the inseparable connection between peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir, LG Sinha noted that development without peace is unattainable. He asserted that ensuring lasting peace is not solely the responsibility of security forces and the administration; the common man plays an equally crucial role. Directly addressing citizens, he stated, “If we neglect our social responsibilities, shifting the burden entirely onto security forces and administration, sustaining peace becomes impractical. Fulfilling our social duties will effectively ensure a lasting peace.”
“The journey to peace and development is just commencing, with the destination remaining distant but a collective commitment to its imminent realization,” the LG said.
He welcomed open communication for citizens with concerns, emphasising the importance of constructive dialogue. However, he categorically stated that spreading baseless rumours to mislead the public is unacceptable.
Meanwhile, the projects inaugurated by LG Manoj Sinha included the Dal Lake Sunset Plaza, Eco Park at Shalimar, the 9.30 km stretch of the right-side Walkway of Boulevard Road from Badyari Chowk to Nishat Bagh, and Phase-I of the Northern Foreshore Road Lakefront project from Nishat to Naseem Bagh.
In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the entire team of Srinagar Smart City Limited for excellent city planning and execution.
“Dal Lakefront projects are testimony to our commitment of reviving the historical social relationship of Srinagar city with lakes and rivers and providing a better quality of life,” the Lt Governor said.
“Incredibly beautiful Dal Lake Sunset Plaza, Eco Park at Shalimar, 9.30 km stretch of right-side Walkway of Boulevard Road from Badyari Chowk to Nishat Bagh and Phase-I of Northern Foreshore Road Lakefront project from Nishat to Naseem Bagh, will offer a bundle of happiness to people,” he said.
At the inaugural ceremony, the Lt Governor also highlighted the Urban Transformation being carried out by the UT Administration and the significant steps taken to improve tourism and economic activities in the UT.
Eco Park at Shalimar, Foreshore Road developed by Jammu & Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority in convergence with Srinagar Municipal Corporation under AMRUT mission at a cost of Rs 1.97 crore, caters to the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings and provides vibrant space for tourists and locals along the pristine Dal Lake.
The 9.30 km stretch of the right-side Walkway of Boulevard Road from Badyari Chowk to Nishat Bagh at a cost of Rs 14.19 Cr has been developed with facilities like universal access, seating and public plazas and other amenities.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Sh Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Mohammad Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Athar Aamir Khan, CEO Srinagar Smart City Limited; senior officers of police and civil Administration, members from business and trade fraternity and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present.
Lt Governor chairs high-level meet, reviews security
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level meeting to review the security and development scenario in all 10 districts of Kashmir Division.
The Lt Governor tweeted: “Chaired a high-level meeting in Srinagar today to review the security and development scenario in all 10 districts of Kashmir Division. J&K Administration is committed to completely eliminate terror ecosystem & to ensure inclusive and progressive development of UT”.
