Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, May 11: A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs today said Srinagar has acquired a “changed look” due to the ongoing urban development and Smart City projects, while also stressing the need to protect the environment alongside rapid urban growth.
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The committee, led by MP Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, visited several Smart City assets in Srinagar, including the Jhelum Riverfront, Lal Chowk Public Square and Balidan Stambh, as part of its 2025-26 study programme to assess the implementation of urban development initiatives in J&K.
Speaking to reporters during the visit, committee member MP Satpal Brahmachari said the delegation was satisfied with the pace and visibility of the developmental works in the city.
“The work is progressing at a good pace, whether by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation or the district administration. All agencies are working effectively, and Srinagar today presents a changed look because of the developmental works carried out across the city,” Brahmachari said. He said the transformation in Srinagar was clearly visible on the ground and credited both the Government of India and the J&K administration for the execution of key projects.
“There have been significant visible changes in Srinagar. Development is moving at a great pace and its impact can be seen on the ground. Good work is being done by both the Government of India and the Government of J&K,” he said, adding that upcoming projects would further accelerate development in the region.
Another committee member, MP Maya Naroliya, said the committee’s visit was aimed at reviewing developmental works and assessing their impact on tourism, employment and public infrastructure.
“We visited the Jhelum Riverfront, which has become more attractive and well-developed. It will not only boost tourism but also create more employment opportunities for local people,” she said.
Naroliya said the committee would prepare a report highlighting shortcomings, gaps and areas where further development was needed in J&K.
“The report will also examine what more can be done to strengthen development in J&K and how additional central schemes can be brought to both Kashmir and Jammu for faster progress,” she said.
Another committee member, Mahima Kumari, said traders in Lal Chowk informed the delegation that tourism had witnessed a significant rise following the developmental works in Srinagar.
“The shopkeepers in Lal Chowk told us that tourist footfall has increased substantially after the developmental works, with nearly a 40 per cent rise in tourism,” she said.
She added that the committee had stressed the need to protect the environment alongside development and urged both residents and tourists to maintain cleanliness and reduce the use of plastic.
During the visit, the committee was briefed on projects related to urban infrastructure, housing, sanitation and municipal services.
Discussions focused on improving urban governance, strengthening civic facilities and ensuring effective implementation of flagship schemes of the Government of India.
Chief Executive Officer of Srinagar Smart City Limited, Faz Lul Haseeb, briefed the committee on various Smart City initiatives being implemented across Srinagar, including projects aimed at improving public spaces, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, urban mobility and civic amenities.
The committee is scheduled to visit Gulmarg tomorrow, where it will hold a review meeting with officers of the Housing and Urban Development Department and provide feedback and recommendations on ongoing projects.
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