Chinar Bagh revamped after a decade of neglect

Srinagar: Neglected for over a decade, Chinar Bagh, a famous tourist spot in Srinagar is getting facelift under the Smart City Project.

Located behind Kashmir Golf Course, the Chinar Bagh situated on three islands has been decked with musical fountains, swings and kiosks. Besides it offers recreational activities like camping and fishing.

Chinar Bagh suffered massive damage during floods in 2014. For the last over a decade, authorities failed to restore the park.

Now the government has started restoration of Chinar Bagh under the Smart City Project. Work has been started to construct a bridge with cycle tracks on it. Also, the damaged fence around the park has been reconstructed. Yet much more is to be done as there are still many damaged bridges that are unsafe for walking.

Tanveer Ahmed, a local said, “the work has been started, but we see delays in repairing damaged huts and bridges.”

“There should be proper fencing and security measures to prevent entry of unscrupulous elements who in the past were responsible for damages to infrastructure in Chinar Bagh,” he added.

Another local, Mushtaq Ahmad, recounted that there used to be musical events in Chinar Bagh, and many of the tourists and local people used to visit this place with children. “But now you can see the destruction caused by negligence. Am happy that the park is being renovated under the Smart City Project. I hope to see the same rush of people who used to visit the place.

While the restoration of Chinar Park is a step in the right direction, locals urge the authorities to speed up the process.

Er. Abdul Qayoom Kirmani of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) assured that the project is nearing completion:

“The work will be completed soon. If the government grants an extension, we will further develop the park, add new features, and restore its status as a famous destination, just as it used to be. (GK)