Srinagar, October 19: Reaffirming the focus on sustained maintenance of Smart City assets and improved public convenience, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), conducted a late-night inspection of Srinagar’s Central Business District (CBD), covering Ghanta Ghar, Sheikh Bagh Car Parking and the mechanised car parking facility at Lal Chowk.
The inspection aimed to assess the condition of civic infrastructure and public amenities developed under the Smart City Mission, identify maintenance gaps and ensure prompt corrective action. The CEO was accompanied by the Chief Engineer, SSCL; Superintending Engineer, Drainage Circle, SMC; Executive Engineer, SSCL; and other officials of SMC and SSCL.
During the inspection, Dr. Basharat directed the concerned officers to address identified deficiencies on priority, initiate necessary repairs and restoration measures without delay, and ensure the timely completion of pending works, with particular emphasis on illumination, parking management and the functionality of public conveniences.
At Lal Chowk, the CEO directed regular maintenance and timely repair of streetlights, illumination systems and façade lighting to maintain the area’s visual appeal and ensure adequate illumination. At Sheikh Bagh, he instructed the concerned officers to restore and maintain the community sanitary complex near the car parking facility and expedite the completion of the public convenience facility on the first floor, ensuring that both facilities are made operational for public use.
He further directed the officers to examine the feasibility of an alternative access route at Sheikh Bagh Car Parking to streamline vehicular movement and ease congestion. At the mechanised car parking facility in Lal Chowk, the concerned officers were instructed to undertake necessary repairs and restore the high-mast lighting system to ensure adequate illumination.
Emphasising the need for sustained upkeep of Smart City assets, Dr. Basharat called for regular field inspections, preventive maintenance and swift resolution of operational deficiencies. He directed the concerned officers to closely monitor the progress of corrective works and ensure that all public facilities remain functional, accessible and properly maintained.
The inspection underscores SSCL’s commitment to asset sustainability, reliable public services and citizen-centric urban management, ensuring that infrastructure developed under the Smart City Mission continues to serve the people of Srinagar efficiently and effectively.
