Housing works must be aligned with urban planning goals: CM

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed the projects of the Housing and Urban Development Department being implemented under scheme Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).

While reviewing the proposals, the Chief Minister observed that the projects have the potential to significantly improve urban liveability, strengthen heritage conservation and boost tourism in urban centres. He emphasised that all works must be people-centric, environmentally sustainable and aligned with long-term urban planning goals.

He also directed that local legislators and stakeholders be taken on board at the planning and implementation stages to ensure smooth execution. He instructed that periodic progress reports be submitted to his office and any bottlenecks be flagged and resolved in a time-bound manner.

Earlier, the respective CEOs of the Smart City Limiteds presented detailed updates on projects being taken up under the SASCI scheme funded by the Centre.

CEO, Jammu Smart City Limited, informed that several projects are being undertaken to address issues such as heritage conservation, traffic congestion, drainage, unorganised vending, unplanned utilities and underdeveloped heritage corridors. To ensure sustainability, a series of integrated urban interventions have been proposed under the scheme.

He further informed that revitalisation of the CBD and the historic core is a key component of the plan. The proposed interventions include construction of multi-level car parking facilities at congested locations such as Parade Ground, Mubarak Mandi, Jewel Chowk, Gandhi Nagar–Warehouse and Tanga Stand–Gumat Bazaar.

Other projects include utility upgrade and beautification works, development of a temple corridor connecting Bawe Mata, Har Ki Pauri and Mahamaya, construction of a model vegetable mandi at the Sabzi Mandi, a shopping complex at Indira Chowk and a clock tower (Ghanta Ghar) at Parade Chowk.

CEO, Srinagar Smart City Limited, presented the proposed neighbourhood development and revitalisation of the Nigeen Lake waterfront. He informed that a 4.5-km-long Nigeen Lake frontage would be developed with continuous public access, development and upgrade of ghats, upgrade of Cherry Park and comprehensive redevelopment of the precinct in the area which would significantly enhance public amenities and tourism potential.

He also briefed the meeting about restoration of Qalai Andar (Walled City of Srinagar), including improvement of public spaces, conservation of heritage structures, creation of green spaces and restoration of key gateways such as Kathi Darwaza, Sangeen Darwaza and Bacchi Darwaza, along with improved drainage and pedestrian-friendly pathways. Public spaces at Devi Angan will also be enhanced.

He further apprised the meeting about the proposed greenfield development at Anantnag near KP Road, including riverfront development with an eco-park, city park, cycle tracks, pathways, gazebos, kiosks and construction of a smart library near Aaripat Nallah.