Nothing smart about ‘Smart City’

Srinagar: The idea of turning Srinagar into a smart City may prove to be messy affair, as the seemingly major player in the project, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) is facing an acute shortage of men and machinery.

The Civic body requires at least 3600 Safayi Karamcharis but it has only 2018, out of which 1765 are working on regular basis while the rest 343 have been appointed on ‘consolidated pay’ basis.

Besides men, the corporation as per its official website also lacks machinery as well as the equipments.

The revelation came to fore at a time when the state government claims to have taken steps to develop smart city in Srinagar. The government also says that they have already taken measures including banning the stone query activities in the City outskirts near Pantha Chowk last year.

The SMC’s official website reveals that the corporation also requires 25 dumper placer vehicles while as only 12 are available. The SMC also says that it is facing a shortage of dumper bins, revealing that out of 400 required, it has only 110 dumpers available.

The website also reveals that the out of 10 ‘Refuse Collectors’ required, the corporation has only 01 while it also reveals that out of 400 Refuse Collector Bins (Kerb side bins) required, it has only 20.

The corporation is also running a short of tipper trucks. “Out of 34 required, the corporation is only having 24 available,” the official website reveals.

It further added that the corporation needs around 480 tricycles, revealing that it has only 20.

The corporation is also running short of two ‘compactors’ needed for the dumping site. “Out of three required, the corporation has only one compactor for dumping site,” it reveals.

The website also reveals that the SMC officials have urged Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) to release the funds, so that some of the machinery and equipments required for collection and transportation of garbage is purchased and Solid Waste System is improved.

Commissioner SMC, Riyaz Ahmad Wani told ‘Kashmir Vision’ that the corporation is sans men and machinery at a few sections while at others the men and machinery is sufficient. “We are looking forward to improve the men and machinery component,” he said.

He said that they will see whether the vacant posts will be filled temporary or permanently.  

 

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