SRINAGAR: The twin smart cities of Jammu and Srinagar are implementing developmental projects totalling Rs 6,603.39 crore under the Smart Cities Mission, government data revealed on Thursday.
According to the data, Jammu Smart City has undertaken 127 projects worth Rs 2,969.07 crore. Of these, 117 projects costing Rs 2,773.31 crore have been completed, while 10 projects involving Rs 195.76 crore remain under implementation.
Similarly, Srinagar Smart City has initiated 164 projects with a cumulative cost of Rs 3,634.32 crore. Out of these, 144 projects worth Rs 3,311.79 crore have been completed, and 20 projects valued at Rs 322.53 crore are ongoing.
The government stated that the Smart Cities Mission is primarily aimed at improving urban infrastructure and enhancing citizen services in both cities.
The mission aligns with the Government of India’s urban development strategy, where urban planning falls under the jurisdiction of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and State authorities. While urbanisation presents significant opportunities for economic growth, the implementation of Smart Cities Mission (SCM) projects faces challenges such as legal obstacles, land acquisition issues, delays in obtaining clearances, and limited resources, especially in smaller cities.
To overcome these hurdles, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) monitor progress through a multi-level review mechanism involving state and national committees, field visits, and regular stakeholder interactions. The SCM has successfully completed over 7,000 projects nationwide, creating replicable urban development models and documenting learnings for other cities to follow. (KNO)
