Five inches snow, rulers, engineers, planners and the “DOGRA RAJ” needs to be given a deep thought.
Going through the different political scenarios in the state ever since the departure of Dogra’s as a lay person I uphold the Dogra Raj in greater esteem than the current political parties who have always worked for their own interests and personal benefits. I will not single out any political party here because their agenda is same. Some people may get annoyed with my views about Dogra Raj but I have a reason for holding such views.
Let me begin with the waterlogged Jahangir Chowk which is the face of capital. Here almost all shops and houses were submerged under water following 5 inch snow.
People may recall the so called flyover near Jahangir Chowk which is no less than an overhead bridge which was completed in a record one year time during Mufti Mohammad Sayeed,s regime. It was nothing less than a shameful and unplanned work for which the engineers who were entrusted with the job are equally responsible. This over bridge not only turned the sprawling Jahangeer chowk into an ugly and shabby square but blocked the drain built during Dogra Raj.
It is said that Maharaja had invited Mr. Greens, a British expert of urban planning development, way back in 1902 for the purpose. This is the second mistake after the construction of the High Court which initially became hurdle for the smooth flow of the drain from Magharmal Bagh to Daresh Kadal through Karanagar and till completion of the over head bridge at Jahangeer chowk it somehow worked without much problem. Credit goes to visionary British engineers. Hats off to their dedication and perfection and the desire of Maharajas to make city free of blockades. This shows their acumen and good planning and care for the people.
I feel embarrassed to see an engineer of the electric department or irrigation department assigned with the job of construction of fly overs and this prompts me to recall the planning and dedication of Dogra rulers. Politics apart our so called elected rulers fare much lower in comparison to those autocrats.
Mohammad Farooq Wani
Srinagar
[email protected]
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