Srinagar November 21(KNB): CPI(M) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami has voiced deep concern over the inordinate delay in the completion of Smart City Mission.
In a statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Bureau-KNB, he said that the various projects to be taken under the much hyped mission might stymie due to the availability of inadequate funds as the mission involves a 50:50 finance model with states/UTs.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation is unable to pay the pending salaries of their employees and it calls into doubt if the UT could release its share of 50 percent funds.
The citizen consultations are important aspect of the Smart City Mission while executing various projects but unfortunately no such consultations are taken place. Such consultations are imperative to know where the citizens want to spend the money or the projects to be taken up.
The taking up of projects like cycling tracks are good but they must be in sync with the overall mobility plan.
Similarly, the rejuvenation of markets should not come at the cost of livelihood of vendors.(KNB)