What’s most unfortunate part in the history of J&K is the years of neglect downtown of Srinagar has faced ;  Faheem Reshi, Apni Party Leader.

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SRINAGAR JANUARY 22:–Leaders came and went, but downtown witnessed no development except for few projects taken up here and there, he adds.

“Nothing major was done by the most happening and prominent leaders for the people of downtown,” he maintains.

Also known as Shehr e Khass, downtown Srinagar has grappled with a persistent issue of neglect over the years — which encompasses various aspects of urban development, infrastructure, and basic amenities, creating a challenging environment for the residents, he says.

Reshi says further that the repercussions of this prolonged neglect are very much evident in the deteriorating state of roads, drainage system, public facilities, sanitation system and inadequate infrastructure.

There is an overall lack of attention to the city’s pressing needs, he adds.

“The growing demands of the population of downtown has never been met which results in poor quality of life for its residents.”

Reshi narrates that the neglect also manifests in the form of lack of essential services and basic amenities like healthcare, education etc.

This is the reason which hinders the overall development potential of the city, he says.

Reshi says Apni Party is trying hard to address these issues effectively.

So far Reshi has been able to bring changes like establishment of three parks at Sekidaffar Chowk, macadamisation of Nallahmar road connecting to Eidgah, repairment of lanes and bylanes of ward 48 and 49.

“Besides that new lights were installed and old
High mast lights were made functional and repaired, funds were allocated for myriad lanes and bylanes of downtown.”

In addition to that many other issues were redressed and development work brought forth in and around the city, he says.

Reshi while questioning the old regimes of Jammu and Kashmir, says: “if I was able to do address so many issues and problems in a matter of few months only, why weren’t previous governments able to bring any kind of change?”

Reshi further says that he and his group joined Altaf Bukhari’s Apni Party because they believe that his stance and vision for downtown is very strong.

“Altaf Bukhari is a man of principles and we firmly believe that under his aegis downtown will flourish and prosper.”

There is a pressing need for a comprehensive and sustained effort required to uplift the old city and Apni Party is putting in collaborative initiatives, community engagement programs to bring about the change.

Transparency plays a vital role, which was missing in previous governments, in rejuvenating Srinagar and Apni Party ensures that the city receives the attention and resources it always deserves, he maintains.

Though overcoming years of neglect is a Herculean task, but Apni Party is working up together with the people to implement planning and development.

Reshi says he along with his party patron is fostering development to pave the way for a brighter and better future for the people of downtown Srinagar.