NC’s Gupta decries ‘poor planning’, ‘flawed execution’ of Smart City projects in Jammu

Jammu Nov 05: Rattan Lal Gupta, provincial president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) on Tuesday expressed deep dissatisfaction with the development efforts under the Smart City project in Jammu, saying the work has not met the expectations of the people.
He criticised the administration for its failure to deliver on key aspects that define a Smart City. “Many of the city’s issues have been left unaddressed and the residents are disappointed,” he said in a statement issued here.
“Despite the grand promises of a ‘Smart City,’ the reality on the ground reflects a different story,” the senior NC leader said.
Gupta said, “Jammu’s roads are in deplorable condition, with inadequate maintenance and planning that leave citizens frustrated with daily commute issues. Streetlights along major roads remain non-functional, creating inconvenience and safety concerns, particularly at night. The deplorable condition of lanes and drains gives a shabby look to the city.”
The NC leader said there are no amenities and basic facilities. “Public parks are poorly maintained, failing to provide the recreational spaces that citizens expect in a city of Jammu’s stature. The administration’s approach appears haphazard, with no cohesive design or aesthetic appeal to enhance the city’s attractiveness,” he added.
One of the key features that sets a Smart City apart is the provision of public amenities like Wi-Fi connectivity. He pointed out the absence of such facilities. “The much-anticipated gondola project, intended to boost tourism and local transport options, remains non-functional, underscoring a lack of follow-through on ambitious initiatives,” he said.
Rattan Lal also resented the hanging “sub-standard” electricity wires and low-lying power transformers scattered across Jammu, saying this poses a risk to the lives of residents. “Such unsafe and outdated infrastructure is unacceptable in a city striving for Smart City status,” he said.
The provincial president urged the present government to acknowledge the significant gaps in the Smart City plan and take immediate and concrete steps toward rectification. He called for a comprehensive review and redesign of the current framework to ensure that the development truly meets the needs of Jammu’s residents.
Rattan Lal asserted that the National Conference under the and visionary leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remains committed to the “rightful” development of Jammu and will ensure that every step taken benefits the citizens and enhances the Jammu city’s growth and livability.