J&K discusses modalities to place Srinagar in smart cities list

Jammu and Kashmir government has finalised modalities with different stakeholders to secure place for Srinagar city in the final list of ‘Smart Cities’ that will be announced by the Centre in January next year.

A high-level meeting was convened here on Saturday under the chairmanship of Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Hridesh Kumar to discuss the modalities. During the meeting, Kumar urged officers of various departments to synchronise their efforts for ensuring that the summer capital of the state makes it to the final list of Smart Cities.

A presentation was made at the meeting by the consultant - Voyants Partnering Vision (VPV) - engaged by Srinagar Municipal Corporation to prepare the detailed project report for Srinagar city.

The firm has successfully helped the Nagaland government in securing a place for Kohima in the recently-announced Smart Cities list, an official spokesman said.

In their detailed presentation, the VPV consultants said a Smart City envisions wide spectrum development of urban components that provide residents smart solutions to make infrastructure and services better, and also enhance the quality of life, the spokesman said.

Describing the strategic components of Smart Cities, they said a combination of retrofit and redevelopment, which include innovative planning, optimum use of resources and provisions of affordable housing would be included in the draft proposal.

Regarding the initial plan for preparing the DPR, a four-pronged action plan has been prepared to provide data sharing in a time-bound manner, suggestions for Smart City proposal, convergence of funds towards Smart City proposal, MoUs and resolutions for Smart City.

Kumar directed the officers of various departments to identify a nodal officer who will coordinate with the consulting firm for ensuring timely submission of data about Srinagar city which will be used to draw up proposal for development of Srinagar as Smart City.