19-05-2023 : Locals and visitors alike love to visit Srinagar’s freshly created and landscaped Jhelum Riverfront, which is located in the city’s center. This gorgeous riverbank, which stretches from Lal Mandi to Zero Bridge and is located on the left side of the river, rivals the allure of the well-known Boulevard Road on the banks of Dal Lake and provides visitors a breathtaking view of nature. The Srinagar Smart City Project, which aims to revitalize the city’s infrastructure, includes restorations and upgrades. The Jhelum Riverfront offers a variety of facilities that are intended to make visiting enjoyable. It has bike lanes, walking trails, open areas with different uses, cafes, public buildings, parking, and even an amphitheater. It has undergone extensive development to become a bustling destination that welcomes visitors to enjoy their free time among the tranquil setting and natural splendour.
Following the popular Polo View market’s successful renovation, which attracted notice for its new look and transformation into a pedestrian-friendly market, the Jhelum Riverfront has become yet another intriguing and well-liked destination for both locals and visitors. When the Polo View market was first opened, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha voiced the desire to make Srinagar’s marketplaces competitive with those in Delhi, Chandigarh, or Mumbai.
The authorities responsible for the project have meticulously planned the development of this 3-kilometer stretch along the Jhelum River. Divided into two parts, the riverfront has been designed to restore the city’s lost splendor. The first part stretches from Zero Bridge to Amira Kadal, while the second part encompasses the area from Amira Kadal to Chattabal Old City, both of which are set to undergo further development under the Srinagar Smart City Project.
Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Athar Amir Khan highlighted the objectives of the Jhelum Riverfront Project, aiming to transform the river and its surroundings into an environmentally sustainable and vibrant economic and entertainment hub. The project is a collaborative effort involving various departments, including Floriculture, Tourism, Handicrafts, and Handlooms, to ensure its efficient and timely completion.
In addition to the ongoing work on the Amira Kadal – Chhattabal riverfront, the government is also focused on restoring water transport in the old city and reviving ancient temples and shrines in the vicinity. These endeavors aim to preserve the cultural heritage and historical significance of the region, further enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
The Srinagar Smart City project is progressing rapidly, with the aim of completing most of the beautification projects before the upcoming G20 tourism meets. The commitment and efforts put into transforming Srinagar into an enchanting city are evident, as the city continues to allure visitors with its breathtaking riverfront and a touch of European city charm.
Ali Dar, a happy visitor who was taking in the serene Jhelum River waves next to the footbridge leading to Lal Mandi, expressed his satisfaction with the area’s recent improvements. He recalled the days when people used to come here, but that they no longer needed to do so because of its improved beauty. The Smart metropolis initiative has significantly improved the area’s appeal, giving visitors the impression that they are in a vibrant European metropolis.
Deeply ingrained in Kashmir Valley’s history and splendour for more than 2,600 years, the Jhelum River is of immense cultural significance. The Jhelum Riverfront is a tribute to the region’s rich heritage and commitment to making lively and attractive spaces for residents and visitors alike, especially in light of the recent improvements and current projects.