95 projects to be completed by end of 2021-22; 80 projects in next fiscal
By: Ibni Maqbool
Srinagar: In a major push for infrastructural development in Jammu and Kashmir’s capital cities, as many as 95 projects are likely to be completed under the Government of India’s ambitious “smart cities” programme by the end of ongoing financial year, official documents reveal.
Documents in possession of The Precious Kashmir reveal that 95 projects are likely to be completed by the end of the current financial year. “ 80 more projects to be completed in 2022-23 improving the quality of life of the people by way of providing Wifi facilities, smart health centres, installation of river vending machines, smart class rooms, TV charging stations, development of cycle tracks & hawkers zone, development of parking and space under flyovers, etc,” reads the documents.
The Smart City Mission—aimed at improving basic urban infrastructure in cities—was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2015. Under the program, each city will get Rs 1,000 crore central funding for its comprehensive development and effective delivery of public services.
Initially, the Government of India had announced only one smart city for J&K but the state government recommended both Srinagar and Jammu cities under the scheme to avoid any controversy over the issue.
In June 2017 when PDP-BJP was ruling Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India announced that both the cities would be developed as smart cities.
