The Urban Local Bodies (ULB) of Kashmir have achieved significant milestones in the past two years with the successful execution of various development projects after the abrogation of Article 370. The ULB Kashmir has undertaken a Capex Budget of Rs 200 Crore for the 40 ULBs of the Kashmir division, leading to substantial relief and improved public utilities for the citizens.
Infrastructure Development Brings Relief to the General Public
The Kashmir division witnessed an impressive transformation during the years 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 as the government allocated a substantial budget for development projects in the region. A total of 282 projects were initiated, focusing on key areas such as shopping complexes, slaughterhouses, public parks, town halls, marriage halls, bus stands, lanes, drains, and roads.
Modernization of Bus Stands Enhances Traffic Movement
To improve traffic management and public convenience, the ULB Kashmir approved 23 bus stands, out of which six have been successfully completed. Additionally, the macadamization work of ten bus stands and inner roads in the towns of the Kashmir division has been finished, further enhancing ease of travel for the public.
Beautification Efforts and Public Parks Revamp Towns
The beautification of towns has been a priority for the Urban Local Bodies of Kashmir. A total of 48 parks have been developed, with ten parks already completed and 23 others currently in progress. Furthermore, approval has been granted for the construction of five clock towers, three of which are already built, while two are under construction.
Better Drainage Systems and Sanitary Facilities Implemented
Addressing essential infrastructural needs, the ULB Kashmir took up 350 drain and lane works in the 40 municipalities of the Kashmir division during this financial year. Notably, 212 projects have been completed, and 99 are currently under execution. Moreover, 24 drainage schemes were approved, with 18 of them currently in progress.
Multi-Level Car Parking to Combat Traffic Jams
With a focus on reducing traffic congestion and illegal parking, the Urban Local Bodies approved nine multi-level car parking projects. Among these, two parking slots have been completed, and four are currently in progress.
Boosting Economic Growth through Infrastructure Development
To promote economic growth and generate employment opportunities, the Urban Local Bodies of Kashmir have approved 40 shopping complexes, with two already constructed and nine currently under construction. Additionally, 30 slaughterhouses have been approved to ensure sanitary and hygiene requirements, with 12 of them currently under construction.
Facilitating Social Events through Approved Marriage Halls
In response to the public’s demands, the ULB Kashmir has approved 23 marriage halls, with nine under construction to facilitate the organization of marriage ceremonies. Moreover, 17 office buildings have been approved, with 15 currently under construction.
My Town, My Pride Program Yields Positive Impact
The second phase of the My Town, My Pride program garnered immense participation in the 40 municipalities of the Kashmir division. A substantial amount of Rs 2,500 crore was released by the government to fulfill public demands raised during the first phase. Out of 89 projects undertaken, 62 have already been successfully completed.
Swachh Bharat Mission &PM-SWANidhi Scheme Foster Progress
The overall sanitation of towns has undergone a remarkable transformation under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). A total of 23,790 Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) and 921 community and public toilets have been constructed, leading to all 40 municipalities in the Kashmir division receiving ODF certification from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.
The PM-SWANidhi scheme has significantly improved the socio-economic status of urban street vendors, with 4,490 vendors covered under this initiative, receiving financial assistance totalingRs 520.80 lakh. Additionally, 4,735 vending certificates were issued to vendors, and eight vending markets were developed to alleviate congestion in towns.
AMRUT Scheme Spurs Comprehensive Urban Development
Under the AMRUT Scheme, diverse projects pertaining to sewerage, drainage, urban transport, development of green spaces, and water supply were completed at a cost of Rs 6,652 lacs. Furthermore, 21 water bodies are currently undergoing rejuvenation under AMRUT 2.0, with an allocated cost of Rs 5,82.55.
Beautification Efforts Enhance Urban Aesthetics
The Urban Local Bodies of Kashmir have taken significant steps to beautify the 40 municipalities across the valley. This includes the installation of LED screens, street lights, and enhancement of various bridges, resulting in improved aesthetics and ambience.
ULB Kashmir Receives Prestigious Awards
Five municipalities – Anantnag, Dooru-Verinag, Pahalgam, Ganderbal, and Qazigund – received recognition and awards from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, for their active participation in the “Indian Swachhata League (ISL) 2022.”
