Smart cities mean inclusive living: LG

Srinagar, Jan 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday that a smart city is not just about new infrastructure, but about sparking an entirely new way of quality living – vibrant, efficient, and inclusive.

Inaugurating the Rs 7.70 crore Amira Kadal pedestrian bridge redeveloped under Srinagar Smart City Limited, LG Sinha said, “A smart city is about building a brighter, more resilient tomorrow for the young generation.”

The project was launched in December 2023, ensuring due diligence in heritage conservation, structural safety, and quality control.

Dedicating the pedestrian wooden bridge to the people of Srinagar, the LG said the historically significant project would preserve the legacy while improving urban mobility and quality of life.

“Our prime objective is to lift the quality of life to a new level with modern technology and inclusive design,” he said. “We have made it a mission to protect the soul of every city while upgrading or renovating the infrastructure.”

LG Sinha said that by preserving historic lanes, bridges, traditional markets, lively squares, and peaceful green spaces, the administration had made efforts to weave amenities into the cultural heartbeat of each city.

He said that the renovation and upgradation of a city’s infrastructure should become a bridge, beautifully linking heritage with the needs of today.

“This approach is already visible in the several cities of J&K,” the LG said and mentioned projects like Jhelum Riverfront, Lal Chowk, MA Road redevelopment, redevelopment of Polo View High Street, Traditional Souq Market and Craft Centre Batmaloo, development of lake front including walkways on Northern Foreshore Road from Nishat to Naseem Bagh, Habak, improvement of Ghats along River Jhelum, improvement of facade of heritage markets of Shehar-e-Khas, Srinagar, improvement of road from Dogra Chowk to KC Chowk, Apsara Road High Street, street development of Canal Road Talab Tillo, street development of heritage site Mubarak Mandi to Raghunath Bazaar, approach to Bahu Fort Temple, Ranbir Canal Blue-Green Walkway project, Tawi Riverfront now pulse with fresh appeal, drawing not just tourists enchanted by their timeless charm, but also giving boost to businesses and the local economy was gaining real strength and momentum.

“By breathing new life into our cities through preservation of cultural heritage, we are honouring the roots,” he said.

LG Sinha said that this commitment was about more than the upgradation of infrastructure.

Interacting with local shopkeepers and traders, he said that the opening of the pedestrian bridge would enhance accessibility, stimulate commercial activity, and offer a pleasant experience for tourists.

Member of Legislative Assembly from Lal Chowk, Ahsan Pardesi; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; IGP Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi; Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; and CEO, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), Faz Lul Haseeb were also present on the occasion.