Srinagar to be smart city in June 2024
The G20 arrangements, Kashmir’s scenic beauty, and the warmth of her people were a hit among the delegations. The crown jewel of India mesmerized visitors with its historical charm amalgamated with the “smart city” conveniences. The iconic Mughal Gardens, the Dal Lake, and Polo View Market were the highlight of their itinerary. The delegation was impressed seeing how seamlessly the heritage and culture of the Valley flow into the present-day lifestyle … writes Dr Sakariya Kareem
Empty containers make the loudest noise. Sitting in Delhi, you can hear this noise coming from just west. Since Morgan Stanley admitted that India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, he has been outspoken about anything that might draw media attention to India. It is, of course, the duty of those who hate India to do so. And while they’re littering the piles of paper with lengthy diagnoses about India, India is booming, aiming for $400 billion in annual economic output by next year.
Last week, the G20 Group’s 3rd Tourism Promotion Conference in the Union Territories of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir was held to much fanfare. This was an exciting event for residents, especially for tourism, which has been a major driver of the region’s economy since the beginning. Last year, J&K received more than 16.2 million tourists worldwide, and when you count hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, the numbers speak for themselves. After the repeal of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019, it triggered a new dawn of prosperity and development in the region, and people regained their trust in government institutions.
The excitement aroused among the public was evident. For the first time in a long time, Kashmir is back in the spotlight, and for many good reasons. The valley was unrecognizable to foreign delegations who had only heard of the unrest in this part of the world. The event marked the international reintroduction of Kashmir.
After India received the baton as Indonesia’s annual G20 presidency in December 2022, it goes without saying that India has been working full throttle to show its best performance. Nearly 10 million people in the Kashmir Valley depend on the tourism industry. The J&K administration, with the support of the Center, decades later he changed the geography of UT to support them.
For Pakistan, it must have been like watching a catastrophe in slow motion to hear its internationally echoing praise over Kashmir’s development awaiting the economic and social hardships of recent months. She tried to cause trouble by urging international organizations and world leaders to block India from holding the conference in Srinagar. Foreign Minister Bhutto Zardari said India “cannot silence the voices of the (apparently suppressed) Kashmiri people” by hosting the event.
For a country that has turned the wheel and gone from an economic crisis to a political crisis to a social one in a week, while simultaneously committing human rights abuses and receiving rebuke at the international level, such a bold statement about India is a momentous statement. . A bold statement is very bold. Just last week, the UHNRC High Commissioner said Pakistan’s rule of law was under serious threat. The violence since May 9 underscores the urgency that Pakistan must first qualify as a nation before it flares with jealousy.
The G20 event, the beautiful scenery of Kashmir and the warmth of the people were well received by the delegation. India’s jewel has captivated visitors with its historic charm and ‘smart city’ comforts. Iconic Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake, Polo Her View Her Market were the highlights of her itinerary. The delegation was impressed with how smoothly the heritage and culture of the valley flowed into today’s lifestyle.
Although Kashmir has been modernized to meet the needs of today’s people, values and traditions continue to form the core of society and are the thread that binds it all together. The delegation immersed themselves in a tranquil atmosphere and agreed on several conclusions and agreements to make Kashmir a world-class city.
It was agreed that Kashmir should be promoted as an international cinema destination. Following the Gulf region, which invested US$2.5 billion, participating countries discussed investment opportunities in various sectors such as healthcare, training centers and higher education institutions. Another important topic was how to increase export volume. From handwoven rugs to walnut carvings to his sumptuous pashmina shawls, the working group was mesmerized after seeing a demonstration of the artwork. The handwoven and handicraft department has successfully established its place in the hearts of guests. Obtaining the GI Mark has brought global recognition to cashmere handicrafts, saffron and other unique cashmere products.
In early 2022, Germany alone exported carpets worth €40,000. Deputy Governor Manoj Sinha said at the time that J&K would soon be among the world’s top 50 travel destinations. Violence, riots and terrorism imported from Pakistan are a thing of the past. People enjoy life and grow in an ambitious environment that supports a growth-oriented perspective. Pakistan can constantly criticize India over Kashmir, but Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), aptly states the truth. “Extremism, Kashmiris in India are safe, enjoying freedom and prospering.” A new India will come with strong expansion and economic prosperity. She is at the forefront of all global decisions, wielding veto powers that could change the course of humanity. According to McKinsey, “It’s not the Indian decade, it’s the Indian century.” When she holds her hand, Kashmir will reach the pinnacle of greatness.
