Smart City total failure in Srinagar: PDP’s Laigroo

Srinagar, Jul 08: Senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Arif Laigroo on Tuesday accused the National Conference (NC)-led elected representatives of failing to safeguard public interests in Srinagar, particularly in Habba Kadal and adjoining areas. “The recent spell of rainfall has fully exposed the hollow claims of the so-called Smart City project, which has turned into a nightmare for residents instead of bringing any relief,” he said in a statement issued here.Laigroo pointed out that areas including Nawabazar, Fateh Kadal, Habba Kadal, Jamalatta, Islam Yarbal, and surrounding localities have been severely affected by waterlogging. Shockingly, before the so-called development works, these areas rarely faced such issues, even during heavier rains.“This is not Smart City, it’s a suffering city. The situation on the ground is disastrous. Drainage has collapsed, roads are flooded, and to make matters worse, there is no drinking water available in many of these localities for days,” he said.The PDP leader accused the local NC leadership, especially MLA Shamima Firdous, of turning a blind eye to the hardships faced by the people. “They were elected to represent the people, but have failed on every front. Their silence and inaction are adding to the misery of common citizens,” he said.He added that the ongoing Muharram days have further highlighted the administrative failure, as people are unable to even perform basic religious duties due to poor civic conditions.Laigroo appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene immediately and direct the concerned departments to resolve the waterlogging and drinking water crisis without delay. “The people of Srinagar deserve better. The LG administration must step in where elected representatives have failed,” he urged.