National Conference Chief Spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq recently criticised the Srinagar Smart City Project, describing it as ill-conceived and lacking a futuristic approach to urban planning. He said planners should have integrated stormwater and sewerage systems and adopted stronger infrastructure measures.

Sadiq said limited progress has been achieved in Downtown Srinagar under the project, adding that roads have been narrowed while footpaths were widened without adequate planning. He stressed that a city can be termed smart only when its sewage and drainage systems function efficiently, noting that cosmetic changes alone do not meet the objective of smart urban development.

He also questioned the outcomes of initiatives such as public bicycle usage, claiming that many of the cycles introduced under the project are now lying unused. He added that corrective measures would be undertaken to address existing shortcomings.

On the issue of the Combined Competitive Examination, Sadiq said there was no ambiguity regarding his party’s position and maintained that procedures followed in earlier years remain valid. He stated that approvals sent to Raj Bhawan should have been cleared without delay, adding that queries raised have been referred by the General Administration Department to the JKPSC and are expected to be resolved.

Responding to criticism from People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Lone, Sadiq said he respects him as a senior politician but accused him of focusing on mockery rather than constituency-level issues. He alleged that criticism has been selectively directed at the Chief Minister while sparing other authorities.