SRINAGAR: A section of the footpath along Boulevard Road near Ghat No. 17 in Srinagar has collapsed into Dal Lake, raising serious concerns about the quality of infrastructure being developed under the Smart City project. The incident has put pedestrians at risk and cast a shadow on the standards of construction work in the region. The collapse occurred in a high-traffic area, which is frequently visited by locals and tourists alike. As the city moves forward with its development plans, this incident highlights the need for stricter quality control and oversight on public infrastructure projects.
Incident Details: On Thursday, the newly constructed footpath near Ghat No. 17, which was part of the ongoing Smart City development, gave way and fell into Dal Lake. Eyewitnesses reported that tiles from the path were washed away into the lake, causing further environmental concerns. Fortunately, there were no casualties, though pedestrians were lucky to avoid injury. Local residents and regular commuters expressed concerns about the safety risks posed by the collapse, as this area is a popular spot for both locals and tourists throughout the year.
The footpath in question was part of a larger initiative aimed at revamping the infrastructure along the Boulevard Road, which runs alongside the picturesque Dal Lake. The revamp was part of the Smart City project, which includes upgrading roads, footpaths, and other urban amenities. However, the collapse of the path has raised questions about the quality of the construction work and whether proper standards were adhered to during the process.
Rising Concerns Over Srinagar Smart City Infrastructure Quality
The collapse of the footpath comes just months after similar issues were raised regarding infrastructure projects in the region. This particular stretch of Boulevard Road, which sees heavy foot traffic, especially from tourists, was recently refurbished as part of the Smart City initiative. The project aimed to modernize key parts of Srinagar, but incidents like this have called into question whether the work has been up to the required standards.
This is not the first time that infrastructure in the region has failed prematurely. A few years ago, another section of roadwork near Dal Gate suffered from similar issues, with roads and pavements crumbling soon after their completion. These recurring failures suggest that there might be deeper issues related to construction practices or project oversight in the region.
Response from Authorities: Following the footpath collapse, the spokesperson of the National Conference (NC), Tanveer Sadiq, has raised the alarm and appealed to the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar to take immediate notice of the situation. In his statement, Sadiq emphasized that the area, which is typically crowded with pedestrians and tourists, requires quality infrastructure to ensure public safety. He called for immediate investigation into the incident and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.
Tanveer Sadiq also visited the site of the incident, where he expressed concerns about the shoddy construction work. “This area is usually bustling with people, and the authorities should have ensured that the work was done to the highest standards,” Sadiq said. “This issue has been raised with the Chief Minister’s office, and action will be taken against the responsible officials.”
Sadiq also mentioned that he had spoken to the concerned officials, who assured that work would commence in the evening to restore the damaged area. “The officers have assured me that if there was any negligence, action will be taken accordingly,” he added.
Potential Impact on Tourism and Public Safety
The collapse of the footpath is not only a blow to the region’s infrastructure development but also has broader implications for public safety and tourism in Srinagar. Dal Lake, one of Kashmir’s most iconic landmarks, attracts millions of visitors annually, and the area around Ghat No. 17 is a prime spot for tourists. A failure in infrastructure such as this could deter future visitors and tarnish the region’s image as a tourist destination.
Furthermore, the safety of pedestrians using the path is a major concern. Although there were no fatalities or injuries in this incident, the collapse underscores the risks associated with poorly constructed public works, especially in high-traffic areas.
The collapse of the footpath near Ghat No. 17 in Srinagar highlights serious concerns about the implementation of the Smart City project and the standards of construction in the region. While the Smart City initiative aims to modernize infrastructure and improve the city’s amenities, incidents like this emphasize the need for strict oversight and adherence to quality standards. As Srinagar continues to develop, it is essential for authorities to ensure that public infrastructure projects meet the highest standards to avoid putting citizens and visitors at risk.
