Traders accuse SMC of ‘neglecting’ development of Srinagar

Various trade bodies today hit out at Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) accusing it of failing to address civic issues in the summer capital. 

Addressing media persons here, chairman Kashmir economic alliance, Muhammad Yusuf Chapri, said that city’s commercial hub Lal Chowk and its adjacent areas often get waterlogged after even light rains.

   

“Defunct drains are yet to be restored. Amid much-hyped slogans of Smart City, Srinagar has been neglected on every front by SMC,” Chapri said.

He added that during water-logging, most of the city markets could not function and traders had to face financial losses. 

“Commuters, pedestrians and locals are facing immense hardships due to frequent water logging during rains. People at helm of SMC are in slumber. Not a single drain has been cleared from past one year now. This leads to waterlogging,” he added.

Chairman J&K central contractors coordination committee Farooq Ahmad Dar said that Rs 170 crore for improving drainage system are with SMC. “But the top SMC officials are unable to spend this amount on public works, developments, to restore drainage system, and other relevant pubic interest works,” he said.

He added that the Smart City project in only on paper. “While no development has taken place on ground suggests,” he said. 

Arshid Ahmad Bhat, senior executive member of contractors committee said that, “no discrimination with Srinagar in terms of development will be tolerated in any form.” 

“We appeal Governor NN Vohra to look into the matter and direct the concerned authorities to take measures for improving civil amenities including drainage system in the summer capital,” they added. 

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