Updated: December 18, 2020 9:10:14 pm
The PMC would provide SMC with its expertise in improving public transportation systems, wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and metro projects. Photo Express
Since the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is relatively stable, the municipal corporations of Pune and Srinagar plan to resume work to shape the “sister city” agreement, the first of its kind, finalized by both in 2008. Two corporations would work together, help each other, and learn from each other’s experiences in carrying out civic projects and improving civic standards in their respective cities.
“The two municipal corporations had signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2008, but there has not been much progress in achieving their goals due to the prevailing situation. Now the situation in Srinagar is much more conducive to strengthening the link between the two cities and helping each other in development activities, ”said Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol.
He said the removal of Article 370 has led to a situation in Srinagar that will allow the two civic bodies to take full advantage of the “sister city” agreement.
“The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has requested the assistance of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to develop the Mughal Garden on Sinhagad Road. Also, Pune has a crossing called Pune-Kashmir Maitri Chowk in Katraj that represents the friendship between the two cities. Pune’s civic body has launched a beautification campaign in a big way, and this would include putting up murals to show the cultural unity of both cities, ”Mohol said.
The PMC would provide SMC with its expertise in improving public transportation systems, wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and metro projects. “The SMC will benefit from the development experience of the PMC. There will be an exchange of technical knowledge, technical guidance and consultations ”, he added.
Pune is also home to several Kashmiris, both from Jammu and the Valley. A large number of Kashmiri students are enrolled in the educational institutions of the city.
The city-based NGO Sarhad has been actively working to strengthen the link between Pune and Srinagar. Sarhad’s founder, Sanjay Nahar, said: “The memorandum of understanding between the two cities led to visits by delegations from both cities in each other’s area. SMC has been trying to gain experience in solid waste management and stormwater drainage, but there have been limitations due to the situation there in the past. Now it is changing and it was necessary to reactivate the association to strengthen the bond ”.
Sarhad has taken on the responsibility of educating Jammu and Kashmir children in the city and would soon increase the force from 150 to 250, he said, “We want to establish an emotional bond between the two cities. There are plans to link up with local educational institutions in Srinagar. Sarhad is working on organizing international festivals in Jammu and Kashmir and a literary festival in Pune-Srinagar. “
Nahar said that he has requested the PMC to provide a venue in the city exclusively for the display and sale facility of handicrafts and other products from Jammu and Kashmir.
Many citizens of the city have been visiting Srinagar for tourism, he said, “The PMC can work with SMC to ensure all possible assistance for citizens visiting the city. Revival would be just the beginning and many things could be started between two cities for the well-being of their citizens. “
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