Residents question execution, maintenance as commercial ads overwhelm artistic initiatives
SRINAGAR: The ambitious and much-hyped Srinagar Smart City Project (SSCL) aimed to revitalize the city and harmonize contemporary development with the safeguarding of its cultural soul, has faced sharp criticism from the local residents for its flawed execution of beautification projects using murals and artworks.
The SSCL project asserted the comprehensive approach of gentrification reshaping Srinagar’ urban fabric through modernisation while aiming to elevate its cultural appeal. With several initiatives realized, and others are ongoing the project aspires to infuse renewed vigor and dynamism into the urban landscape.
Central to this transformation has been the reimagining of city walls as vibrant canvases, infusing the streets with an innovative artistic flair that celebrates Srinagar’s heritage while embracing its modern identity. However, just a few years in, the luster of these murals has faded, leaving once-vibrant artworks looking worn and muted.
What now stands out are the sponsored advertisements painted across walls—commercial visuals that clash with the intended cultural ambiance. The juxtaposition raises questions about the project’s commitment to preserving the city’s aesthetic integrity while balancing modernization with authentic local charm.
Questioning the approach of the Smart City project’s cultural art installations, Aayeena, a college student said that the initiative to showcase local heritage through public art is a welcome step but the execution is lacking.
“The paintings don’t align with the city’s aesthetic, and those that do are already deteriorating due to pollution and weather,” she said.
She also questioned whether authorities considered the upkeep required to preserve these artworks, pointing out that the installations, in their current state, fall short of enhancing the city’s cultural atmosphere.
Echoing similar views, Haji Maqbool Baba, a fabric dealer at Jehangir Chowk mocked SSCL for carrying out beautification work in a hotchpotch manner.
“The inconsistency in the mural is evident, some parts were worked on followed by a noticeable gap and then others were resumed given the impression of as if they were running low on paint but the catch is if we see the other sides of the walls all being painted as part of a larger initiatives, it seems they may have had a strong alibi ready to explain the irregularities,” Baba said.
Zubair Ahmad, a trader at the busy Goni Khan market told Kashmir Reader that the prolonged duration of SSCL project was adversely affecting the business community, as the delay had led to the extended sufferings and unmet needs.
A senior official from Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) told Kashmir Reader that the main focus of the project was to enhance city aesthetics and improve the visual quality of the streets.
“For the murals, a specific theme was selected to showcase vibrant culture and handicrafts of the region. Multiple blank walls were upgraded with murals around Jhelum Riverfront, public spaces, and major streets of the city, including Maulana Azad Road, Jhelum Bund Rajbagh-Convent Road, Indira Gandhi Road, Golf Course, and Dalgate,” the official said.
However, the official quickly added that the maintenance of the murals, as per the conditions of the contract and defect liability period, was limited to two years.
“SSCL focused on themes that are in coherence with the context, culture, and social fabric of the city. SSCL engaged local artists for the purpose of wall art. Since more than two years have passed, maintenance is no longer being carried out,” the official explained.
They further insisted that striking a balance between art and commerce was crucial for preserving the soul of the city.
“Commercial ads should complement, not overshadow, the cultural and aesthetic essence of murals meant to celebrate heritage. The focus should be on integration, not intrusion,” the official emphasized.