Srinagar- The construction of a proposed underpass at Nishat has sparked anger and disapproval among netizens and experts. The proposed project, discussed in a high-level meeting convened by Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, aims to address traffic congestion at Nishat.
Recently, in view of traffic congestion at different places across the city due to the ongoing developmental works on roads, the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri convened a high level meeting to address the important issue and remove hindrances in smooth vehicular movement.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Inspector General of Police Central Kashmir, Rajiv Panday; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat; SSP Srinagar, Aashish Mishra; SSP Traffic Srinagar, Muzaffar Shah; Officers of Srinagar Smart City, R&B, Transport, NHAI besides other concerned officers.
The meeting discussed the slow movement of traffic at Nishat due to the difference in gradient level which leads to the traffic jams.
Addressing the meeting, Div Com directed Srinagar Smart City officers to ensure leveling of gradient by today evening through concrete to allow comfortable movement of commuters.
Besides, he directed them to create no hawker and no halting zones at Nishat Garden by installing the signage’s and asked them to levy heavy fines on violation of instructions.
During the meeting, the construction of an underpass was proposed as a solution to the persistent traffic woes at Nishat. The Div Com instructed the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposal, envisioned by the attending officers.
However, this decision has not been well-received by the public and subject matter experts.
Netizens took to social media platforms to express their frustration and discontent. Many argued that the construction of an underpass would exacerbate the already chaotic traffic situation and cause more disruption to daily commutes.
“Do authorities even hire and work with urban designers? I doubt they do. Else, the smart city would not have been designed the way it is. Kashmir is a classic case of bureaucratization of engineering, designing and architecture,” Farhana latief, a researcher posted on X.
Speaking on anonymity, one of the leading architects and architectural historians of Kashmir valley said that an underpass at Nishat sounds atrocious. “Unfortunately, the lessons learnt in the last two decades in the field of urban designing never made their way to Kashmir,” he said.
“Constructing an underpass without considering the long-term implications and alternative solutions is short-sighted. We need sustainable and well-thought-out plans to address traffic congestion,” he added.
Environmentalists also have raised alarms over the ecological footprint of the project.
“Nishat is known for its scenic beauty and green cover. An underpass construction would mean disrupting the local ecosystem,” said Saba Hussain, an environmental activist. “We need to look for solutions that do not compromise our environment.”
Kashmir Observer tried to contact the Divisional Commissioner, however, he did not respond to repeated requests.
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