The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Srinagar is gearing up to welcome a fleet of 25 new smart city buses, introduced by the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL). An inspection and trial run of the freshly arrived buses were carried out in the city on Thursday.

Anuj Malhotra, General Manager of Planning & Urban Development at Smart City Srinagar, shared details with the news agency KNO, saying that the city is all set to receive 25 state-of-the-art smart city buses, which will commence operations in the coming days.

He elaborated on the features of the new buses, saying these have lengths of over 12 metres. “These buses are a significant upgrade from the previously acquired 9-metre buses, with a seating capacity of 35 passengers along with additional standing room,” he said, adding that the new buses offer enhanced comfort, including more spacious seating and highback seats.

Speaking about the total number of buses, Malhotra said they have made an addition of 25 new buses to the existing fleet, bringing the total count to 100 smart city buses, including the previous 75.

The inspection and trial run of the smart city buses were overseen by key figures such as RTO Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari and Anuj Malhotra, alongside other officials.

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SOPORE — A photojournalist working at a local daily has expressed disappointment that nobody from the administration called on him after he lost his eyesight in an accident nearly two weeks ago while covering the Srinagar Smart City development ahead of the G-20 Summit.

While speaking to the news agency KNO, Bilal Ahmad, from the Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, said he was “not merely an observer but an active participant” in highlighting the government’s development in the city.

Recalling the fateful incident, Bilal said he was assigned to cover the night view of the Srinagar Smart City. “After completing the coverage, I was walking alongside a path in the city centre Lal Chowk near a construction site. It had no lights at all. I suddenly fell into a water-filled pit where I remained for at least around 10 to 15 minutes, crying out for help.”

"My colleague also jumped into the pit in a bid to rescue me; however, he failed at once and at the same time, a Sumo driver passed through and rescued me," Bilal said. “I was shifted to the SMHS Hospital Srinagar where I received seven stitches in my ear. Besides my eyes, several parts of my body were badly wounded. My camera and cell phones were also damaged.”

"My family came to know about the accident the next morning and they took me to Kashmir Eye Hospital, Nowgam, where doctors informed them that my right eye has been severally damaged," he said. “The doctor told me that the loss of eyesight could be due to shock and stress and that I may recover soon.”

He added, "The next day, I was taken to the renowned ophthalmologist, Dr Ayaz Akbar Wani, HOD SMHS Hospital. He prescribed me medicines for a week and I was asked to go for an MRI, the report of which is yet to come."

“My left eye was already damaged in 2016 when I was hit by a pellet,” the devastated Bilal said.

The photojournalist said though his office and well-wishers helped him in the best possible way, the “saddest part” is that nobody from the administration enquired about him or came forward to help.

"It was because of journalists that people across the world came to know about the J&K Government’s development works, especially in Srinagar City, besides extensively covering an international G-20 Summit,” he said.

Expressing his anguish over the lack of safety measures, he said the incident should serve as a “wake-up call” for the authorities overseeing the development in Srinagar. "The incident highlights the critical need to prioritize safety measures, particularly around the construction sites and open pits, to safeguard the lives of pedestrians," he said.

Meanwhile, refusing to succumb to hopelessness, Bilal has decided to reach out to the community for support to raise funds for his medical treatment. The donors can send money to his bank account number 0068040100017027 with IFSC Code JAKA0MARKET.

“The vibrant world which I was capturing with my camera has been stolen from me. My dreams have been shattered and my spirit left in tatters. However, I hope to see the world again and capture it through my lens,” Bilal said.

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SRINAGAR — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir expressed his vision for the markets of Lal Chowk and Old Srinagar, aiming to transform them into vibrant urban hubs akin to those in Delhi, Chandigarh, and other major cities.

He aspires to create an atmosphere where residents and visitors alike will experience the pulsating energy reminiscent of bustling metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi.

After inaugurating the Polo View market, which has been successfully renovated under the Smart City Project said, "In the near future, Lal Chowk and the old city are set to welcome a series of new markets, creating exciting prospects for visitors and locals alike."

He also said that these markets will transport people to the vibrant landscapes reminiscent of Delhi, Chandigarh, or Mumbai, offering an immersive experience that mirrors the bustling energy of these metropolitan cities.

"Furthermore, as part of the ongoing smart city projects, there are plans underway to introduce additional new markets, promising even more opportunities for growth and development in the region," he added.

He also remarked that the markets in Srinagar would emulate the vibrant ambiance of Mumbai and Delhi. With a clear vision in mind, he aimed to create a shopping experience where people would genuinely feel as though they were in these bustling cities.

The successful completion of the Polo View market under the Smart City project was met with immense appreciation from the shopkeepers, who expressed their gratitude to the J&K administration for their instrumental role in revitalizing the market and transforming its overall appearance.

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