Srinagar, 10 December (H.S.): National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, today criticised the Srinagar Smart City Project, terming it “ill-conceived” and lacking futuristic planning.

“Those who planned it should have been futuristic. Stormwater and sewerage outlets could have been integrated, and better measures were needed,” he told reporters.

He added that little has been achieved under the project in Downtown Srinagar, noting that roads have been narrowed while footpaths widened unnecessarily.

“We have to correct this, and measures will be taken,” Sadiq said.

He emphasised that a city becomes “smart” only when its sewage and drainage systems are efficient.

“Using tiles does not make a city smart. What happened to the cycles? Most of them are useless now,” he said.

On the controversy surrounding the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), Sadiq said there was “no question about the rebuttal” his party would issue regarding the LG office’s clarification.

“What was right in previous years is right in 2025. The Chief Minister had sent the approval to Raj Bhawan and it should have been cleared without hurdles,” he said.

He added that some queries have been raised, and the General Administration Department (GAD) has referred them to the JKPSC.

“Once they respond, it will go back to the LG. I am hopeful the issue will be resolved soon,” he said.

Reacting to criticism from People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Lone, Sadiq said he respects Lone as a senior politician but accused him of “resorting to mockery.”

“He should meet people in his constituency and understand their issues instead of indulging in jocular commentary. He seems to have ample time for blogging and comedy,” he said.

Sadiq claimed Lone’s criticism targets only the Chief Minister, not the LG, Delhi, or the BJP.

He alleged that Lone “gets dictation” to speak against NC leadership.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar