Sir,
This has reference to the article ‘Development of Cities in J&K’ DE Nov 23, 2020. The author has highlighted an issue that should be the main concern of policy planners in the UT Administration. The two cities- Jammu and Srinagar, are not mere a collection of buildings providing shelter to lakhs of people, but are cities with a great past, history and heritage. These cities though need to be developed on modern lines where almost all civic amenities are available to residents at an affordable cost, but at the same time it should be ensured that they retain their architectural and aesthetic character. The water bodies that once dotted the landscape of Jammu city have almost disappeared from sight. Hardly one are two may be existing here and there. These water bodies have been encroached by land mafia or converted into playgrounds. A great loss which can never be compensated. Likewise the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar is losing its sheen as it is shrinking day by day.
These cities are also getting congested due to increasing traffic. One can see huge lines of vehicles vying for every inch of available space on roads, in turn causing air and noise pollution. They way development is taking place in the cities, one wonders whether these cities can retain their past grandeur.
Sanjeev Sharma
Jammu
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