Asserting that Srinagar is the face of Jammu and Kashmir, a premier tourist destination, Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Nawang Rigzin Jora unfolded his smart city concept today while addressing a valedictory session of a workshop on ‘Urban Development and Urban Service Delivery’organised by Indian Institute of Public Administration Jammu and Kashmir Regional Branch in collaboration with Srinagar Municipal Corporation.He said that the State government is committed to upgrade the life style and provide high class civic amenities to Srinagar citizens besides assuring hygiene and clean environment in and around Srinagar City. He said that SMC is playing a pivotal role in providing essential services to the people particularly in providing permissions for constructions and certificates of birth and death.Highlighting the significant of e-governance, MrJora said that the Corporation has introduced e-governance to make the functioning of the Corporation accountable, responsive and transparent.“An applicant of building permission can submit his application on-line, check the status of the case and also can download the requisite information on-line. Similarly those who apply for birth and death certificates can benefit with e-governance facilities, he added.
Jora said that Corporation has setup Citizens’ Redressal Cell that also on-line, where a complainant can click his complaint on the given mail address and get the response within seconds, the Minister assured.Commissioner, SMC, Dr G N Qasba on this occasion presented a detailed report on Solid Waste Management in Urban Areas through a power point presentation. Dr Qasba highlighted all the aspects of Solid Waste and suggested measures for bringing improvement for its management. The dignitaries present in the meeting belonging to various walks of life appreciated the presentation and hoped that the measures being taken by SMC would bear fruit and would provide a smooth and healthy atmosphere for living a healthy life for the citizens of Srinagar city.Earlier, Prof K KPandey, IIPA, New Delhi presented keynote address while as Mr. Y Sachdeva of RITES spoke over issues related to Urban Mobility, CEOand ERA Mr. Tahsin Mustafa spoke on ERA and Urban Development. Vice Chairman SDA Mr Shafat Noor threw light on Master Plan for Srinagar City. Joint Commissioner, SMC, Mr Bashir Ahmed Khan anchored the proceedings of the workshop.