Srinagar, May 19 (Representative) The developed and beautified Jhelum River front in the heart of the city has become another favorite hangout for people after Boulevard road on the banks of Dal Lake to enjoy pleasant mornings and evenings amid serene atmosphere and pleasant scenery.This riverfront from Lal Mandi to Zero Bridge on the left side of the river presents such a tremendously beautiful view of nature that people forget the charming views of the famous Boulevard Road and its scenic beauty. The renovations have been carried out under the Srinagar Smart City ProjectCycle tracks, walking paths, multi-purpose green spaces, cafe’s, public facilities, parking, and an amphitheater are parts of the riverfront making it a main attraction for the people to enjoy. After redevelopment of the famous Polo View market which hogged headlines following its new look and turned into a walking track market with overhead wires buried underground, the Jehlum River front has become a fascinating and favorite site to visit for the locals as well as for the tourists. The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha while inaugurating the polo view market had said that the markets of Srinagar would be developed under the Srinagar Smart Project of the nature that people will feel they are making purchases in Delhi, Chandigarh or in Mumbai. The concerned authorities say that this stretch of 3 km has been developed on modern lines due to which it is presenting a very attractive and fascinating view of nature. They said that in view of covering a wider area, the Jhelum riverfront has been divided into two parts to ensure the restoration of the city’s lost splendor.
The authorities said that the first part is from Zero Bridge to Amira Kadal and the second part is from Amira Kadal to Chattabal old City which would be developed under the Srinagar Smart Project.Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Athar Amir Khan in a tweet had said that the Jhelum River front Project under Srinagar Smart City aims to make the Jhelum River and surrounding areas an environmentally sustainable and vibrant economic and entertainment hub. According to officials, work is also underway on the Amira Kadal – Chhattabal riverfront and the government is also trying to restore water transport in the old city and revive ancient temples and shrines accordingly.He said that all major departments including Floriculture, Tourism, Handicrafts and Handlooms are fully cooperating to complete the project in an efficient manner and on time. It is worth mentioning that under the Srinagar Smart City project, the work of beautification of the city of Srinagar is going on at full speed and most of the projects are likely to be completed before the G20 tourism meet being held next week.Mohammad Ashraf, a citizen, who was enjoying the waves of the river Jhelum while sitting near the footbridge towards Lal Mandi, told UNI that earlier people used to sit and enjoy the place but now as this place has been decorated, there is no need to go to other tourist places.He said that its beautification under Smart City has enhanced the charm of the place and it seems like we are visiting a big city in any European country. The Jhelum River is an integral part of the heritage and glory of the Kashmir Valley and reflects the cultural values of Kashmir for the past 25 hundred years.