The acronym SMART is commonly interpreted as:
- Specific – Clear objectives so that anyone can understand what is to be done and by whom.
- Measurable – Progress should be trackable with tangible indicators.
- Achievable – Goals must be realistic and attainable within a defined timeframe.
- Relevant – Objectives should align with values and long-term development strategies.
- Time-bound – Every goal should have a defined deadline.
The SMART framework is widely used in project management, employee performance assessment, and personal development. In technology, SMART also refers to “Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology,” which is used in computer hard drives.
The Smart Cities Mission was launched by the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, with the aim of selecting 100 cities for urban renewal and infrastructure improvement. Its objective is to promote cities that offer core infrastructure, decent quality of life, and smart solutions for enhanced service delivery. Srinagar was selected in the third round of the Smart City Challenge in April 2017. The project includes two key components: (a) Area-Based Development estimated at ₹2,869.24 crore, and (b) Pan-City Solutions estimated at ₹765.03 crore.
The Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) was incorporated as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Companies Act, 2013, on September 8, 2017. Governed by a Board of Directors, it is chaired by the Administrative Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, J&K. The Chief Secretary heads the State-Level High-Powered Steering Committee overseeing the project.
SSCL envisions transforming Srinagar into an eco-friendly, resilient, and socio-economically vibrant city that celebrates its natural and cultural heritage. The focus is on leveraging tourism and heritage through inclusive solutions to enhance citizens’ quality of life.
A Smart City is expected to be technologically advanced in infrastructure, communication, and sustainability, where information technology forms the backbone of services. Platforms like automated sensor networks and data centers are fundamental to this model. The global Smart Cities movement gained momentum in 2008 when IBM launched the ‘Smarter Cities’ concept during the global financial crisis. Countries like the UAE, South Korea, and China made significant investments, leading to successful examples like Vienna, Amsterdam, Aarhus, Songdo (South Korea), and India’s GIFT City.
In India, the mission is steered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. J&K was fortunate to have both Srinagar and Jammu selected under the program. However, concerns have arisen regarding the scope and implementation of the initiative, especially in Srinagar.
The core objectives of Smart City development include promoting mixed land use, expanding housing options, creating walkable neighborhoods, preserving open spaces, supporting transit-oriented development, enabling e-governance, giving cities a distinct identity, and integrating smart solutions in infrastructure to reduce vulnerabilities and improve service delivery.
According to media reports, Jammu & Kashmir has completed 90% of its Smart Cities Mission projects. Of the 288 projects sanctioned at a cost of ₹6,597 crore, Jammu was allotted 127 projects worth ₹2,969 crore, while Srinagar received 161 projects worth ₹3,627 crore. The Central Government provided financial assistance of ₹856 crore—₹440 crore for Jammu and ₹416 crore for Srinagar. The overall fund utilization stands at 90.1%.
Projects undertaken in both cities include improvements in traffic management, upgradation of public transport, development of pedestrian-friendly walkways, installation of smart surveillance systems, and sanitation initiatives. However, challenges persist, including land acquisition, regulatory delays, and vendor shortages.
A multi-tier review mechanism has been established by MoHUA to monitor progress. As per RTI data accessed by KNO, 131 projects have been completed, with work ongoing on 10 more. SSCL clarified that while beautification is embedded in many projects, there is no separate category for it. Employment data under the mission is not maintained in an RTI-compliant format, as most work is executed through third-party contractors. Regarding revenue generation, data is under compilation. SSCL also stated that no current employee is under investigation by any law enforcement agency, although two cases are pending against former employees.
On public response, a recent panel discussion hosted by a media outlet highlighted several concerns raised by citizens and stakeholders:
- Lack of public consultation before launching the Smart City project.
- Failure to treat Srinagar as a whole—focusing instead on select roads like MA Road, Residency Road, and Boulevard—ignoring areas like KZP Road, 90-ft Road, Nallah Mar, and other vital links.
- Absence or poor design of footpaths in violation of IRC specifications; many are too high or lack proper ramps, leading to injuries. Costs for faulty work should be recovered from defaulters.
- Major interior and arterial roads remain neglected. Several road widening projects under earlier urban renewal plans are incomplete.
- Inadequate road management, with no bus bays or pedestrian signals. Pedestrians are left vulnerable, and traffic remains chaotic.
- Introduction of Smart Buses has sidelined traditional transporters, causing unrest among existing operators.
- Shopkeepers in Polo View have suffered due to sudden changes in footpath levels, leading to flooding of shops during rain and snow.
- Waste management has been a major failure. Instead of mechanical compost plants recommended in the DPRs, an insanitary landfill has been created in Achan, affecting nearby localities and SKIMS hospital.
- Lack of world-class public sanitary facilities even in tourist hotspots and on highways.
- Allegations that valuable Divri kerb stones removed from existing roads have mysteriously disappeared, necessitating an investigation.
- Absence of a BIS-certified Material Testing Lab in J&K. Currently, testing is done in Roorkee or Delhi.
- Inadequate investment in drainage and sewerage, despite this being a foundational requirement. Existing plans from the 1980s remain unexecuted.
- Faulty macadamization practices raise road levels, affecting house entrances. BIS-recommended scraping and re-use of material are ignored.
- The city’s lakes and wetlands remain neglected under the mission, with no significant pollution control or encroachment measures.
- Heritage preservation and promotion of cultural activities—key elements of Smart City goals—remain largely unaddressed.
- Politicians often shift blame, but this does little to resolve the mounting civic issues.
- Questions have been raised about the quality of work executed hastily before the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in May 2023.
- Citizens seek transparency in the item-wise expenditure under the project, fearing inflated costs.
Given these concerns, the multi-level monitoring framework instituted by MoHUA must be made more effective. Without serious reforms, transparency, and citizen participation, Srinagar’s Smart City dream risks remaining an unfulfilled aspiration.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Er Ashraf Fazili
Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von: / This article is republished from: Ziraat Times, 03.08.2025
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