Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated 32 development projects of Urban Local Bodies worth more than Rs 21.84 crore in Kashmir Division, on Monday.
In his address, LG Sinha said that the projects including Community Halls, Shopping Complexes, Development of Bus Terminals, and macademisation of Roads and Drainage were inaugurated to have a transformational impact in small towns.
“We are strengthening physical and social infrastructure for growing urbanisation. City means hope, progress, and common welfare and to achieve these goals, concerted efforts are being made for recreational facilities, modern planning and city management and participatory administration,” the Lt Governor said.
He said the realisation of future development goals depends on the effective implementation of plans and policies to make cities and towns more vibrant and sustainable.
“Smart city and town is not just a slogan but a way of life. The well-planned infrastructure projects are being developed as a confluence of ease of living and economic progress for sustainable growth so that future generations can fully benefit from it,” the Lt Governor said.
At the inaugural event, the Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of UT Administration to bridge the decades-long developmental gap and create improved and smart facilities for the citizens while encouraging healthy competition amongst the Urban Local Bodies.
Our aim is to develop a more equitable and self-reliant towns, which preserves ancient culture and heritage, supports disadvantaged sections of society and attracts private sector for investment with a focus on economy and ecology, the Lt Governor said.
In the coming future, Tier-II, Tier-III cities and small towns will also become important centers of economic development. We need to change the regressive mindset and facilitate the private investors to tap the potential of diverse sectors, he added.
On the occasion, Heads and representatives of Urban Local Bodies expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor-led UT Administration for empowering the ULBs and addressing the development needs of the people.
Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam; Sujit Kumar, DIG CKR Srinagar; senior officers, HoDs and representatives of Urban Local Bodies were present.
