Smart City Projects Under Fire: Non-Functional Traffic Signals, Barricaded Roads and Empty Cycle Tracks Frustrate Residents

Smart City Projects Under Fire: Non-Functional Traffic Signals, Barricaded Roads and Empty Cycle Tracks Frustrate Residents

Smart City or Smart Chaos? Residents Question Functionality of Urban “Modernization” Projects By: Javid Amin | 20 May 2026 Smart City or Smart Showpiece? Citizens Raise Questions Over Urban Planning and Ground Reality Glittering traffic signals, redesigned roads, decorative cycle tracks, digital systems, and modern street infrastructure were supposed to transform cities into efficient urban spaces under the Smart City vision. But for many residents, the reality feels very different. Across several upgraded urban corridors, people increasingly complain that “smart infrastructure” appears more cosmetic than functional — filled with non-working…

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Fuel Panic Grips Kashmir Amid NH-44 Disruption: Officials Urge Calm

Fuel Panic Grips Kashmir Amid NH-44 Disruption: Officials Urge Calm

By: Javid Amin | 15 September 2025 As the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains choked by landslides and bad weather, Kashmir is witnessing a fresh wave of anxiety: panic buying of fuel. By Monday afternoon, petrol pumps across Srinagar—including Karan Nagar, Hyderpora, and Bemina—saw long serpentine queues, with motorists scrambling to top up tanks. Similar scenes were reported from Anantnag, Pulwama, Baramulla, and Kupwara, where rumors of petrol running out spread rapidly on social media. “No Shortage,” Say Officials Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg sought to allay fears: “There is no…

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Kashmir’s Power Woes Worsen, Plunging Residents into Darkness and Frustration

Kashmir's Power Woes Worsen, Plunging Residents into Darkness and Frustration

The crisis has forced leaders of mainstream political parties to question the intentions of the administration Kashmir is reeling under an unprecedented power crisis amid the early winter in the Valley. As against the demand of 2,500MW, the supply is limited to a mere 1,200 to 1,500MW. Though the administration had promised to procure additional 500 MW power, the procurement process is not being fast tracked. The crisis has forced leaders of mainstream political parties to question the intentions of the administration. They have even organised protests over the demand.…

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