Funds Worth Rs 71 Crore Meant for Downtown Srinagar Development Lapse, Govt Seeks Revalidation

Srinagar, Feb 18, KNT: Rs 71 crore allocated for the development and decongestion of Downtown Srinagar have lapsed, prompting the government to approach the Finance Department for revalidation of the funds.

The disclosure was made by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdary during the Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. Responding to queries raised by legislators, the Deputy Chief Minister said the sanctioned amount could not be utilised within the stipulated timeframe and has consequently lapsed. He added that the government has formally requested the Finance Department to restore the funds so that the proposed works can be executed.

The issue was raised by legislatures Tanvir Sadiq, Mubarak Gul and Shameema Firdous  who expressed concern over mounting congestion and slow-paced development in the old city areas. They highlighted the pressing need for effective inter-departmental coordination to fast-track pending infrastructure works and improve civic amenities.

Sadiq urged the government to adopt a comprehensive approach to decongestion, suggesting vertical construction models to optimise limited land availability. He advocated the development of additional shopping complexes and the widening of key roads to ease traffic bottlenecks in the densely populated downtown localities.

Downtown Srinagar, known for its historic character and dense habitation, has long faced infrastructural constraints including narrow lanes, traffic congestion and limited commercial space. Legislators stressed that targeted planning and timely utilisation of funds are essential to address these persistent challenges and ensure balanced urban growth in the area.

The government maintained that necessary steps are being initiated to restore the lapsed allocation and implement the planned developmental interventions in a phased manner. [KNT]