Srinagar, 22 Sep (KNS) : The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Monday submitted a comprehensive report to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah following his return from the Kochi Urban Conclave 2025.

In a Statement Issued ,The report outlines a strategic urban vision for Jammu & Kashmir, drawing on insights from the conclave and successful models like Kerala’s. At the heart of Sadiq’s recommendations is the constitution of a dedicated Urban Commission for Jammu & Kashmir, modeled on Kerala’s progressive approach, to tackle the growing challenges of rapid urbanisation, traffic congestion, and sustainable development.

Among the transformative proposals presented, Sadiq advocated for the launch of a River Metro project on the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Dal lakes, aimed at decongesting the city and introducing eco-friendly transport solutions. He stressed the urgent need for integrating Srinagar’s stormwater, sewage, and sewerage systems and linking them with advanced STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) technologies to ensure effective lake conservation and urban sanitation.

Recognising the critical role of clean mobility and urban innovation, he proposed initiating a partnership with TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) to develop a roadmap for electric vehicles, mobility solutions, and broader urban reforms for Srinagar.

He also underscored the importance of fostering a knowledge-sharing partnership with Kerala, given the striking similarities between the two states in terms of ecological sensitivity, decentralised governance, and climate challenges.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThis collaboration, he said, would allow Jammu & Kashmir to learn from Kerala’s successes in urban management and climate resilience.

A key component of the report is the proposal to develop boardwalks or nature trails around Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes approximately 5.0 km around Khushalsar and 1.6 km around Gilsar. These boardwalks, he explained, would serve a dual purpose: clearly demarcating the lake boundaries to prevent future encroachments and protect fragile ecosystems, while also transforming these areas into attractive recreational and tourism-friendly zones for residents, youth, senior citizens, and visitors. This initiative, he added, would help reimagine Khushalsar and Gilsar as vibrant, accessible, and scenic “go-to” spaces, thereby enhancing Srinagar’s image as a modern and people-centric city.

Reflecting on the conclave, which brought together 3,115 delegates, 275 speakers from 12 countries, as well as ministers and mayors from across India and abroad, Sadiq emphasised that the event had produced over 300 actionable suggestions. “Both Kashmir and Kerala face the same questions: how to protect our lakes and heritage while building modern, resilient cities. This is the right time for Jammu & Kashmir to learn, adapt, and lead,” he said, urging the state to embrace the moment and move decisively towards a more sustainable and inclusive urban future.(KNS)