The finding that Srinagar city is among the 100 fastest growing urban centers worldwide is quite a revelation. London-based City Mayors Foundation’s report – putting Srinagar at number 92 out of some 300 global cities - is a sure wakeup call for the J&K government in general, and its urban planners in particular. Srinagar’s 92nd  rank in urban growth means many things. At one level it means that the city’s human population growth and horizontal expansion have reached high levels. At another level, J&K state would require to have an action-oriented master plan which would take care of the city’s diverse municipal and other needs in the coming decades. The report also underlines the need for major public spending for the city, which otherwise has been suffering for want of public funds in its development. High urban growth of Srinagar also means that we would require a vision which would craft new transport, housing and municipal policies, followed by concrete action plans. Srinagar desperately needs public investment to improve its roads and transportation facilities. It also requires a modern facility to take care of its ever increasing solid waste. The city also requires capacity building of its municipal corporation. The city has lost its greenery and aesthetic beauty to an alarming level. Any urban development policy needs to have a major environmental conservation plan, which must focus on reviving the city’s greenery and environmental aesthetics. A time has also come when the state’s policy makers and urban planners require to think about the introduction of floor space index concept for Srinagar so that its horizontal growth could be checked. Given the speed of Srinagar’s horizontal expansion, critical wetlands and other flood absorption basins have come under grave threat. Greater emphasis on vertical expansion would ensure to save these crucial lands from urban use devoid of environmental conservation. Such a policy would make it even more secure and prepare to meet the challenges of coming decades.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST