Addressing this does not require new laws, additional funding, or complex systems. One practical step could make a significant difference: state the facts publicly at the start and include who is responsible.

In many parts of the world, project sites display a clear information board. It shows the implementing department, the executing agency or contractor, the sanctioned cost, start date, and expected completion date. Equally important, it lists the accountable officers — the designated government official and the site-in-charge from the executing agency. These details do not prevent delays, but they create a clear line of responsibility.

Citizens deserve to know at minimum:

• What is being built
• How much public money is involved
• When it is expected to be completed
• Who is responsible on the government side
• Who is responsible on the executing side

When such information is visible, accountability becomes real rather than abstract. Responsibility is no longer lost in files or transferred with postings. A project board or foundation plaque will not solve every problem. Delays may occur, and plans may change. But without this minimum disclosure, there is no reference point. A visible board preserves the original promise — cost, timeline, and responsibility — even as officials change.

This approach requires neither extra approvals nor spending. From tomorrow, departments could ensure project details and accountable names are displayed at sites and on foundation stones.

Public ceremonies may make projects visible, but openly naming those responsible establishes genuine trust and accountability. Kashmir does not lack projects; it lacks the habit of clearly stating commitments and following through on them

A foundation stone should mark more than an event. It should mark a promise — with a cost, a timeline, and accountable names attached.

The post Beyond Foundation Stones appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Shortcomings are opportunities

Traffic jams at narrow stretches, missing bus stops, poorly managed U-turns, blocked footpaths, and chaotic parking are glaring issues. In the 1980s, Srinagar had some designated bus stops but in 2025, they seem almost nonexistent. Today, any bus, auto, taxi, or private vehicle can stop anywhere at will, creating random halts, frustration, and risk. These are not minor inconveniences — they are urgent signals demanding correction.

Government efforts are ad-hoc, not enough

Enforcement remains largely reactive. Police patrols and occasional crackdowns can move violators along, but such measures are temporary and inconsistent. Srinagar cannot function on ad-hoc policing alone. There should be no tolerance for violations, but more importantly, there must be permanent solutions built into the system. Streets, footpaths, traffic signals, and vendor zones must enforce rules automatically, not depend on occasional crackdowns.

What beeds focus

The administration inherits both progress and glaring gaps. The next steps must be practical, strict, and citizen-focused:

• Proper bus and taxi stops: Clear, accessible, and well-marked stops to give public transport a steady rhythm and reduce random halts.
• Strict management of encroachments: Wide footpaths are often unusable due to illegal parking and vendors. Hospitals, schools, offices, and markets cannot remain obstructed. Proper, designated spaces for street vendors are essential, allowing them to earn a livelihood while keeping streets safe and passable.
• Redesigned U-turns: Poorly placed or narrow U-turns create daily bottlenecks. Minor adjustments and clear signage can ease congestion instantly.
• Effective parking systems: Clearly designated zones, strict enforcement, and multi-level parking in high-density areas are critical to keep traffic flowing.
• Safe pedestrian crossings and usable footpaths: Footpaths must remain clear; crossings should be well-marked, especially near schools, hospitals, and busy intersections.
• System-driven enforcement: Traffic police cannot be everywhere. Technology and planning — cameras, automatic penalties, digital monitoring — must enforce discipline more reliably than sporadic crackdowns.
• Responsible driving by citizens: Traffic rules work only if followed. Drivers must avoid rushing, remain in lanes, and resist zig-zagging to get ahead. Calm, disciplined driving reduces accidents, prevents bottlenecks, and complements enforcement efforts.

A smarter approach

A smart city is not just roads, lights, or aesthetics — it is streets that function, traffic that flows, and citizens who move safely. Shortcomings are natural, but persistent encroachments, chaotic parking, careless driving, and random vehicle stops are preventable. Firm, consistent action, supported by disciplined citizen behaviour, is the only path to real progress.

Instead of asking, “What went wrong?” we should ask, “How do we make it right?” With calm corrections, practical planning, strong enforcement, and responsible citizens, Srinagar can turn this promising beginning into the smart, liveable city it was always meant to be.

The post A good beginning appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Jhelum Dredging & Flood Spill Channel

After the 2014 floods in Kashmir, the Comprehensive Flood Management Plan (CFMP) was launched to increase Jhelum River’s capacity. Phase I, with ₹399.29 crore, aimed to raise capacity from 31,800 to 41,000 cusecs; by 2025, this was achieved only partially, with many projects delayed or left incomplete. Phase II, estimated at ₹1,623.43 crore, remains largely stalled, with just ₹114 crore spent. RTI reports revealed lack of dredging since 2020 and 1,884 encroachments along riverbanks obstructing flow. Critical stretches of the Flood Spill Channel, including Shariefabad and Naidkhai, are still ineffective, and the proposed ₹18,000-crore Dogripora–Wular flood channel remains unbuilt. Mismanagement, incomplete works, and environmental degradation have rendered the CFMP largely ineffective, leaving Kashmir vulnerable to recurring floods.

Wular Lake Conservation Project

Launched in 2011 with ₹120 crore, the Wular Lake Conservation Project aimed to dredge 20 million m³, remove encroachments, and promote eco-tourism. By 2017, only 6 million m³ (30%) dredged; willow removal negligible. Satellite imagery shows water spread shrinking from 273 sq km to 130 sq km. Fish stock declined 70%, migratory birds halved. Encroachments still cover nearly 27% of the lake area. Despite ₹60 crore spent on infrastructure and riverfront restoration, illegal settlements, siltation, and water pollution persist, undermining flood control, biodiversity, and tourism objectives, highlighting systemic execution gaps.

Dal Lake Beautification & Protection

Once covering 22 sq km, Dal Lake has shrunk to less than 10 sq km despite ₹759 crore spent on STPs, weed removal, and resettlement. The STPs treat only 30% of sewage, and thousands of illegal constructions still stand. Justice Bashir Ahmad Khan’s 2006–07 orders mandated the demolition of structures within a 130-foot buffer and the realignment of houseboats. Enforcement failed, and many encroachments remain. As part of conservation efforts, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has planned to remove approximately 20 lakh willow trees and 2 crore cubic meters of silt from the lake.

Doodh Ganga Pollution Control

Since 2015, ₹140 crore has been spent on sewage treatment plants (STPs) for Srinagar (163 MLD), Chadoora (4.3 MLD), and Budgam (1.62 MLD). Despite this, only 60 MLD of Srinagar’s sewage is treated, while Chadoora and Budgam have no functional STPs. Pump stations continue to discharge untreated sewage into the Doodh Ganga channel, and encroachments along drains and water channels worsen pollution. Over 700,000 residents remain at risk. Project progress is under 30%, reflecting poor planning, weak inter-department coordination, and incomplete construction.

Srinagar Ring Road Expansion

The 60-km bypass, passing through key areas including Galander, Narbal, Sumbal, and Wayul, is divided into Phase-I (42 km) and Phase-II (18.84 km). Phase-I is only 71.5% complete, with several major bridges, junctions, and interchanges unfinished. Phase-II remains largely unstarted due to land acquisition delays in 18 villages, incomplete roadbed, and pending forest clearances over 120 hectares. Despite ₹1,100 crore of ₹1,860 crore spent, physical progress is under 65%. Delays have increased costs, stalled traffic decongestion, and left commuters and freight movement affected.

Jhelum Cruise Boats Project

In 2017, ₹6 crore was spent to boost river tourism, including two luxury boats costing ₹1.4 crore each. Floating jetties were completed in 2021, but the boats have never been used because of bridge clearance problems. Over seven years, the investment has gone unused, leading to an estimated annual loss of ₹50 lakh in missed opportunities.

Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project (1,000 MW)

Approved in 2014 at ₹8,112 crore, the project’s cost has risen to ₹12,669 crore, and the original 2020 completion has been pushed to 2026–27. Progress has been slowed by tunneling difficulties, contractor disputes, and challenging terrain.

Sawalakot Hydropower & Tunnels (1,856 MW)

Planned since the 1960s at ₹22,704 crore, the project remains stalled due to unpaid contractors, land disputes, and ecological hurdles. Despite heavy investment, no power has been generated, and recurring stoppages have caused significant cost escalation.

Lessons

Across projects, failures stem from weak planning, fragmented accountability, insufficient risk assessment, and lack of monitoring. Proper project management with phased execution, milestone tracking, stakeholder coordination, financial oversight, and contingency planning could have optimized resources, prevented cost escalations, and turned stalled projects into functional public assets. Real-time analytics and strict governance would have delivered intended benefits in flood mitigation, ecological restoration, energy security, and urban infrastructure.

The post Lessons in Planning and Execution appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The tragedy is not just inefficiency. It is the absence of fear—fear of scrutiny, of being questioned, of facing consequences.

A Culture Where “Getting the Job” Is the Finish Line

Securing a government job is treated as life’s ultimate achievement. Families sacrifice for years to get a child onto the recruitment list. But what should be the start of service becomes the finish line. Teachers stop innovating, engineers overlook quality, inspectors skip checks. Files crawl, if they move at all. Salaries, however, never fail to arrive.

Where is the sense of responsibility? Where is the accountability that should define public service?

Education: More Salaries, Few Outcomes

Government school teachers in Kashmir earn far better than those in private institutions. Yet student outcomes remain poor, teaching outdated, classrooms underused. Schools function on paper, but the gap between learning and performance grows. Salaries rise—but results don’t.

Failures in Broad Daylight

A walk through any town tells the story—overflowing garbage, dug-up roads, clogged drains, illegal construction.

Sometimes negligence becomes outright danger. The rotten meat scandal is a grim reminder: how did so much unsafe meat circulate unchecked? Where were the inspectors? Similarly, the stray dog crisis festers year after year despite promises of sterilization drives. Funds are spent, reports filed, but the packs multiply, and citizens remain unprotected.

These failures are not hidden—they are visible every day. Yet institutions look the other way.

Present but Distrusted

Yes, the police work under pressure. But routine civil duties cannot be ignored. Drug abuse is rising, domestic violence unresolved, petty crimes neglected. For many, approaching a police station is a last resort—and even then, justice feels unlikely.

Presence without performance is not policing.

Oversight Without Action

Step into a bakery or street stall and hygiene is often absent. Expiry dates ignored, storage unsafe, adulteration common. The food safety department has powers, vehicles, and officers—yet checks are rare, fines minimal, enforcement weak.

The rotten meat scandal wasn’t an exception. It was the result of a department asleep at the wheel.

Dying in Silence

Forests cut, wetlands filled, lakes shrinking—illegal mining and encroachments flourish while environment officials look away. To watch destruction unfold and remain passive is not negligence— it is complicity.

The Rotten Core: No Fear of Accountability

The core truth is simple: there is no fear of consequences.

Public servants know they won’t be questioned. Files can be delayed, duties ignored, inspections skipped—without penalty. The culture of impunity runs so deep that mediocrity is now the norm. Worse still, sincere officers are punished while complacency is rewarded.

Silent Enablers

But citizens are not blameless. Our taxes pay these salaries. Our votes empower these systems. Our silence shields inefficiency. We complain in private, but rarely demand accountability in public.

Change will not come from government alone. It must come from us—by filing complaints, demanding transparency, and refusing to normalize decay.

Getting the job cannot be the goal. Doing the job must be.

Responsibility Over Rhetoric

Despite the bleakness, hope remains. Kashmiris are resilient and aware. What is missing is collective insistence on accountability.

• We don’t need revolutions. We need responsibility.
• We don’t need speeches. We need systems that work.
• We don’t need blame games. We need consequences for failure.

This is not a speech. Not a blame game. It is a mirror. And what it reflects may be ugly—but it is real. The question is: will we keep looking away, or finally demand that those entrusted with responsibility live up to it?

The post A Mirror We Cannot Ignore appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The call today is not just for justice or peace, but for something more foundational: the right to live, and to let others live, with dignity.

A History of Dignity Denied

To understand the pain and yearning of today’s Kashmir, one must look back at its turbulent past. For over three centuries, Kashmiris have faced a systematic assault on their dignity through disempowerment.

In the 18th century, the Afghan rulers treated Kashmiris with contempt. Their rule was marked by religious persecution, forced labor, and public humiliation. People were expected to dismount from their horses in front of Afghan soldiers, and a single word out of place could mean a brutal beating.

The 19th century brought Sikh and then Dogra rulers, whose administrations were no kinder. The ordinary citizen was denied agency, voice, and dignity.

The 20th and 21st centuries have continued this erosion. Despite political promises, many Kashmiris remain trapped in cycles of conflict and economic alienation. The long queues at government offices, the neglect in hospitals, and the rigid VIP culture have turned everyday public life into a quiet battleground for dignity.

The Collapse of Courtesy and Respect

In modern-day Kashmir, the absence of dignity is not just political—it’s deeply personal. It is seen in how a pensioner is treated at a government office, how a woman is spoken to in a bank, or how a patient is neglected in a hospital corridor.

Public institutions, both government and private, have become places where the common man feels small and unheard. The rise of VIP culture only deepens this divide—where one citizen’s privilege comes at the cost of another’s humiliation.

Even our language, once poetic and kind, now carries the frustration of a people tired of being dismissed. Words like “meherbani” and “shukriya” are being replaced with harshness. But in our tone, in our speech, lies the power to uplift or degrade.

The Real Meaning of Living with Dignity

Living with dignity is not about status or wealth. It is about being treated—and treating others—as human beings deserving of respect. From the vegetable vendor to the domestic worker, every individual has the right to be acknowledged with kindness.

Sadly, many in Kashmir have come to accept mistreatment as normal. Fear of retaliation, lack of awareness, and generations of disempowerment have conditioned people to remain silent. But silence should not be mistaken for acceptance. Teaching our children to speak up—calmly, respectfully, but firmly—is the first step to reclaiming our collective dignity.

A simple phrase, “I deserve to be treated with respect,” when said with conviction, can begin to shift the culture.

Institutional Reform: A Moral Imperative

While dignity begins at home, it must be protected by the systems that shape public life. Government offices, hospitals, banks, and private businesses must transform from centers of control into spaces of service.

Hospitals must see patients as people, not burdens. Government staff must see citizens as equals, not inferiors. The private sector must treat employees with the same respect given to executives.

This is not idealism—it is duty. Institutions should embrace dignity by implementing proper grievance redressal systems, employee training programs, and citizen charters. Leadership, in both public and private spaces, must set the tone: authority must come with accountability, not arrogance.

Reviving Kashmiri Culture: A Path Back to Respect

Kashmiri culture, at its core, is a culture of dignity. We are taught to walk with humility, to speak with softness, and to honour guests and neighbours alike. These are not outdated traditions—they are timeless values we must re-embrace.

Hospitality, respect for elders, community support—these are the foundations that once made Kashmiri society strong and compassionate. Instead of copying the worst habits of modern bureaucracies or social hierarchies, we should revive our own heritage as a model of public decency and personal honour.

Home: The First School of Dignity

Dignity is first learned, and most deeply felt, in the home. When children are heard and respected, when spouses support each other, and when elders are valued, we create an atmosphere that nurtures self-worth.

If we allow mockery, silence, or neglect to become the norm in our families, we risk raising generations that accept disrespect in the outside world. Let us make our homes sanctuaries of dignity—where every voice matters, and every heart feels seen.

The Way Forward: A Dignified Kashmir

Kashmir cannot truly heal or progress until dignity becomes a daily reality for its people. This means:

• Respecting others regardless of status or background.
• Speaking kindly, even in disagreement.
• Demanding fair treatment without aggression or fear.
• Reforming institutions to serve, not suppress.
• Teaching dignity through action—at home, in schools, and in workplaces.

The beauty of Kashmir lies not just in its landscapes, but in its people—their resilience, their grace, and their hope.

Let us build a society where every man, woman, and child walks freely, speaks confidently, and lives peacefully—with dignity not as a dream, but as a basic right.

Let us live with dignity—and let others live with dignity too.

The post Live and Let Live with Dignity appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The call today is not just for justice or peace, but for something more foundational: the right to live, and to let others live, with dignity.

A History of Dignity Denied

To understand the pain and yearning of today’s Kashmir, one must look back at its turbulent past. For over three centuries, Kashmiris have faced a systematic assault on their dignity through disempowerment.

In the 18th century, the Afghan rulers treated Kashmiris with contempt. Their rule was marked by religious persecution, forced labor, and public humiliation. People were expected to dismount from their horses in front of Afghan soldiers, and a single word out of place could mean a brutal beating.

The 19th century brought Sikh and then Dogra rulers, whose administrations were no kinder. The ordinary citizen was denied agency, voice, and dignity.

The 20th and 21st centuries have continued this erosion. Despite political promises, many Kashmiris remain trapped in cycles of conflict and economic alienation. The long queues at government offices, the neglect in hospitals, and the rigid VIP culture have turned everyday public life into a quiet battleground for dignity.

The Collapse of Courtesy and Respect

In modern-day Kashmir, the absence of dignity is not just political—it’s deeply personal. It is seen in how a pensioner is treated at a government office, how a woman is spoken to in a bank, or how a patient is neglected in a hospital corridor.

Public institutions, both government and private, have become places where the common man feels small and unheard. The rise of VIP culture only deepens this divide—where one citizen’s privilege comes at the cost of another’s humiliation.

Even our language, once poetic and kind, now carries the frustration of a people tired of being dismissed. Words like “meherbani” and “shukriya” are being replaced with harshness. But in our tone, in our speech, lies the power to uplift or degrade.

The Real Meaning of Living with Dignity

Living with dignity is not about status or wealth. It is about being treated—and treating others—as human beings deserving of respect. From the vegetable vendor to the domestic worker, every individual has the right to be acknowledged with kindness.

Sadly, many in Kashmir have come to accept mistreatment as normal. Fear of retaliation, lack of awareness, and generations of disempowerment have conditioned people to remain silent. But silence should not be mistaken for acceptance. Teaching our children to speak up—calmly, respectfully, but firmly—is the first step to reclaiming our collective dignity.

A simple phrase, “I deserve to be treated with respect,” when said with conviction, can begin to shift the culture.

Institutional Reform: A Moral Imperative

While dignity begins at home, it must be protected by the systems that shape public life. Government offices, hospitals, banks, and private businesses must transform from centers of control into spaces of service.

Hospitals must see patients as people, not burdens. Government staff must see citizens as equals, not inferiors. The private sector must treat employees with the same respect given to executives.

This is not idealism—it is duty. Institutions should embrace dignity by implementing proper grievance redressal systems, employee training programs, and citizen charters. Leadership, in both public and private spaces, must set the tone: authority must come with accountability, not arrogance.

Reviving Kashmiri Culture: A Path Back to Respect

Kashmiri culture, at its core, is a culture of dignity. We are taught to walk with humility, to speak with softness, and to honour guests and neighbours alike. These are not outdated traditions—they are timeless values we must re-embrace.

Hospitality, respect for elders, community support—these are the foundations that once made Kashmiri society strong and compassionate. Instead of copying the worst habits of modern bureaucracies or social hierarchies, we should revive our own heritage as a model of public decency and personal honour.

Home: The First School of Dignity

Dignity is first learned, and most deeply felt, in the home. When children are heard and respected, when spouses support each other, and when elders are valued, we create an atmosphere that nurtures self-worth.

If we allow mockery, silence, or neglect to become the norm in our families, we risk raising generations that accept disrespect in the outside world. Let us make our homes sanctuaries of dignity—where every voice matters, and every heart feels seen.

The Way Forward: A Dignified Kashmir

Kashmir cannot truly heal or progress until dignity becomes a daily reality for its people. This means:

• Respecting others regardless of status or background.
• Speaking kindly, even in disagreement.
• Demanding fair treatment without aggression or fear.
• Reforming institutions to serve, not suppress.
• Teaching dignity through action—at home, in schools, and in workplaces.

The beauty of Kashmir lies not just in its landscapes, but in its people—their resilience, their grace, and their hope.

Let us build a society where every man, woman, and child walks freely, speaks confidently, and lives peacefully—with dignity not as a dream, but as a basic right.

Let us live with dignity—and let others live with dignity too.

The post Live and Let Live with Dignity appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Challenges Faced by Kashmiri Youth

Kashmir’s youth face a pressing unemployment crisis, with around 32% of young people unemployed. Despite relatively high literacy rates (around 67%), many are unable to secure jobs due to limited private-sector opportunities and ongoing political instability. The education system often falls short of current standards, leaving students unprepared to fulfil the demands of today’s labour market. Moreover, a lack of exposure to varied experiences limits personal development, and societal attitudes can discourage self-improvement efforts. Overcoming these barriers requires the overall development of personality to navigate an increasingly competitive world.

The Essence of Personality Development

Personality development aims to improve critical abilities including communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, and problem-solving. It fosters personal development by improving self-awareness, confidence, flexibility, and time management. Emotional control, flexibility, and continual learning are critical for overcoming hurdles and building positive connections with others. For Kashmiri youth, personality development is not only an important asset, but also an essential tool for addressing the region’s distinct socioeconomic and cultural issues.

The Importance of Personality Development

1. Boosting Employability
   Soft skills such as confidence, teamwork, and communication are essential for success in today’s job market. Personality development enhances these skills, making candidates more attractive to employers and increasing employability.
2. Promoting Emotional Resilience
   Living in a conflict-prone region, many Kashmiri youth face stress and low self-esteem. Personality development builds emotional intelligence and resilience, enabling individuals to cope with adversity and stay focused on their goals.
3. Encouraging Entrepreneurship
   With limited job opportunities, entrepreneurship offers a viable alternative. Personality traits like creativity, risk-taking, and leadership are key to turning ideas into successful ventures, and fostering these traits can have a significant economic impact.
4. Bridging the Education-Industry Gap
   There is a noticeable disconnect between traditional education and industry needs in Kashmir. Personality development helps bridge this gap by equipping youth with practical skills such as time management, teamwork, and critical thinking.
5. Competing Globally
   The rise of remote work and freelancing presents global opportunities for Kashmiri youth. Personality development in areas such as adaptability, cultural awareness, and technological proficiency prepares youth to succeed in the global economy.

Pathways to Growth

Educational institutions, NGOs, and the government all play a role in fostering personality development. Schools can integrate workshops on leadership, emotional intelligence, and public speaking. Community organizations can offer mentorship and career counselling, while online platforms provide valuable resources and networking opportunities.

A Way Forward

Personality development is a foundation for empowerment and success for Kashmiri youth. By cultivating resilience, confidence, and adaptability, they can overcome challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and make a positive impact. Collaborative efforts from educational institutions, communities, and policymakers are essential in creating an environment where the youth of Kashmir can thrive, unlocking their full potential and contributing to a brighter future.

The post Why Personality Development is Crucial for Kashmiri Youth? appeared first on Greater Kashmir.