Srinagar- The demolition of Concrete Park at city Centre Lal Chowk, carried out by the city administration has raised eyebrows among city dwellers.
Many people voiced their concern on the social networking site Facebook after a video went viral on social media in which laborers were seen demolishing centre park near Ghanta Ghar.
Voicing their resentment over the move, netizens called for accountability in the public sector saying demolishing the already existing park is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
However, officials say the works taking place in and around Lal Chowk are part of the redevelopment plan to make the city centre a place where pedestrians can move around freely.
Speaking to Kashmir Observer, CEO Srinagar Smart City and Commissioner SMC Athar Amir said the demolition is being done in order to pave way for a Plaza.
“At the place of Concrete Park, a plaza will be put in place, a place where people can walk and sit” he said.
He also said works carried out in and around Lal Chowk are part of the massive redevelopment plan of the city centre.
“Under various smart city projects, Electricity lines are being constructed underground at Residency Road and M.A. Roads which once completed will help in the city centre pedestrian friendly.
CLEARS AIR ON “NARROWING OF CITY ROADS”
Clearing the air on rumor mongering by some that some city roads were being narrowed under the garb of Smart City Projects, CEO Athar Amir said various city roads are being redeveloped to maintain uniform carriage width.
He said the road works are being done under the standards set by the Indian Road Congress.
“Some city roads do not have uniform road width, so the idea is to maintain the uniformity of the road so that the traffic flows smoothly. The extra space on the road will be developed for on street parking” he said.
“Once completed, there will be ample space to park vehicles on both sides of the road and proper spaces for pedestrians and cyclists”
He further said that the present day works being executed under the Smart City Projects are done once in a lifetime.
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