Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Feb 4: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today demanded a separate budgetary allocation for Srinagar city to effectively address its mounting developmental challenges, with a special focus on the old city areas.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, Mufti said Srinagar, particularly its old city, is grappling with multiple issues including congestion, poor drainage, dilapidated lanes, and the urgent need for heritage conservation.
“Old city is facing a number of difficulties. I urge the Government that for Srinagar, a separate budget should be there so that the issues faced by the people are addressed,” she said.
Mufti noted that focused funding will help resolve problems like congestion, drainage, narrow lanes and heritage conservation, and ensure overall development.
She also criticised the implementation of the Smart City project, alleging that it has failed to deliver tangible benefits to residents.
“The Smart City project has not been of any benefit. The Government should revisit the project to address bottlenecks and issues faced by the people,” she said.
Highlighting Srinagar’s tourism potential, the PDP chief stressed the need to revive the sector and develop the city as a wedding destination.
“Srinagar is closely linked to tourism. Places like Pari Mahal and Char Chinari and others can be developed as wedding destinations, which can generate employment and livelihood opportunities,” she said.
Expressing concern over rising unemployment in the city, Mufti urged the Chief Minister to launch exclusive skill development programmes for Srinagar and link colleges with skill development centres.
She also called for the introduction of employment schemes on the pattern of Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) to create job opportunities for local youth.
On the issue of undertrial prisoners from J&K, and especially from Srinagar, lodged in jails outside the Union Territory, Mufti appealed to the Centre to grant them parole or shift them back to J&K.
Raising concerns over the rights of traders in the Makkah Market, Mufti said they should be given the same facilities and rights as other shopkeepers.
She also flagged mental health issues, urging people not to treat them as a taboo and seek timely consultation and treatment.
Condemning attacks on Kashmiris in different parts of the country, Mufti said issuing statements alone is not enough.
“Concrete measures must be taken to ensure their safety. MPs should also play a proactive role. The Government must secure those who have voted for them,” she asserted.
She also highlighted the issue of waste management in Srinagar, particularly the problems at the Achan landfill site, and called for urgent corrective steps.
Criticising the reservation policy, Mufti said the people of Srinagar have been the most affected and demanded early clarification.
The post Mufti demands separate budget for Srinagar city appeared first on Daily Excelsior.