Raja Syed Rather
Jammu and Kashmir has completed 90% of its Smart Cities Mission (SCM) projects, with 288 projects worth Rs 6,597 crore sanctioned for the Union Territory under the initiative, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha.
The data reveals that 127 projects worth Rs 2,969 crore were sanctioned for Jammu Smart City, while 161 projects worth Rs 3,627 crore were allocated for Srinagar Smart City.
The Central government has provided Rs 856 crore in financial assistance for both cities, with Jammu receiving Rs 440 crore and Srinagar Rs 416 crore. The fund utilisation percentage for J&K under the mission stands at 90.1%.
Under the Smart Cities Mission, various infrastructure and urban development projects have been undertaken in Jammu and Srinagar, focusing on road and traffic management improvements, upgradation of public transport systems, development of pedestrian-friendly spaces and walkways, smart surveillance and security infrastructure and waste management and sanitation initiatives
However, the implementation of Smart City projects in J&K has faced challenges, including land acquisition issues, delays in obtaining clearances, and limited availability of vendors and resources in some areas.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has established a multi-level review system to monitor progress and address delays in project execution.
