THE CHANGEMAKERS
Athar Aamir Khan, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, and CEO, Srinagar Smart City project
ATHAR AAMIR KHAN is a Kashmiri who has got a chance to serve his own state. When he came on deputation from Rajasthan in 2021, it was a dream come true for him. He was posted as municipal commissioner of Srinagar and CEO of the Srinagar Smart City project. Khan is one of the most recognisable faces in the city as he takes the lead in resolving multiple issues like water-logging, traffic congestion, drainage and problems related to old constructions. Khan, who hails from Devipora in Anantnag district, plans to redesign Srinagar and he understands the challenges. “The ongoing urban renewal under the Srinagar Smart City Project is aimed to address many of these issues,” he says.
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Khan says everything is being executed in an integrated manner, and no work is happening in silos. “The Jhelum riverfront project is reviving the river-based economy and is getting both locals and tourists back to the river,’’ he says. Srinagar's entire central business district is undergoing a major change in its drainage and sewerage infrastructure and underground electricity network. There will be accessible pedestrian walkways, cycling spaces, heritage conservation, better lighting and illumination. However, unlike other cities in the country, security concerns have to be factored in while developing Srinagar.
Similarly, the old city is also being developed. From the access roads to the Dal Lake front, Khan says equal attention will be paid to all. He stressed the role of the youth as the key to all the work being done. “The youth are our biggest source of strength. Their role as the most productive segment of society is what we would be banking on,” he says. Khan is optimistic about the future of young entrepreneurs from J&K who are building businesses and exploring new avenues in music and films. “I would say when it comes to the youth of J&K, the line and length is coming back.’’