KCCI meets Commissioner over Srinagar Smart City projects

In a meeting that convened on 15 March, Javed Ahmad Tenga, the president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), along with representatives from local trade bodies, addressed concerns surrounding the ongoing Smart City projects in Srinagar with Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri. Joined by Bashir Ahmad Kenu, president of 'Shahr-e-Khas' Traders & Chambers, and Mushtaq Ahmad Darial, president of the Central Traders & Manufacturers Association, it was emphasised by Tenga the necessity of reassessing certain aspects of the Smart City endeavours, particularly those impacting the historic Shahr-e-Khas area. The meeting primarily focused on the implementation of projects spearheaded by Srinagar Smart City Limited, which, as highlighted by KCCI, aims to enhance and beautify Srinagar City. While acknowledging the positive reception of these initiatives, concerns were raised regarding delays and specific challenges in their execution, notably within the Shahr-e-Khas locality. Tenga and his associates raised significant concern about the decision to narrow certain roads in the area, arguing that this move could exacerbate traffic congestion and inconvenience residents and traders. The KCCI stressed that the community had welcomed prior efforts to widen roads as they addressed longstanding traffic issues. However, the current plans to narrow these roads could potentially reverse the progress made, adversely impacting both mobility and commerce in the area. Tenga urged Bidhuri, who also serves as Chairman of the Srinagar Smart City Limited, to consider these concerns and ensure that projects align with the community's best interests. In response, Bidhuri assured that any project failing to benefit the public would undergo thorough review, as stated by KCCI.?