The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered an independent third-party audit of the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) project after recent rainfall raised serious questions about development works, particularly in the low-lying areas of the summer capital, officials said.
The review assumes significance after widespread criticism from general public over the proper execution and implementation of the SSCL project.
The decision was taken by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah after chairing a Cabinet meeting earlier this week. He also took note of the growing public grievances over waterlogging issue in the downtown areas of the city.
While listening to the grievances, Omar noted that he had received numerous complaints and queries regarding the implementation, execution, planning, and budgeting of the project. He noted that despite the huge expenditure incurred, the project may not have achieved its original objectives.
He also pointed out that prolonged construction activity has been going on for years, adding to the challenges faced by residents and commuters. The lack of coordination among government departments and private agencies involved in public infrastructure and civic projects has resulted in damage, delays, and inconvenience to the public.
Meanwhile, NC chief spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said the audit had been ordered to find out discrepancies in the project and examine claims that the work delivered was far below what had been promised initially.
In a post on social media platform X, Dar wrote, "On the failure of the Smart City Project, the Government has stepped in." He added that a third-party audit had been ordered to investigate what was actually delivered against the promises made under the project.
He added that a third-party audit had been ordered to investigate what was actually delivered against the promises made under the project.
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