The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has announced its plan to rejuvenate 23 springs within its municipal limits this year, under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP).
Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Dr Owais Ahmed told Rising Kashmir that the project aims to offer a climate-resilient solution for livelihoods and ecosystems in the mountain regions, by enhancing water access and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said that the project is part of the corporation’s efforts to improve the air quality and reduce the pollution in the city. He further said that the revival of the springs will not only provide a source of clean and safe water for the residents, but also restore the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area.Owais said that community participation in the project is important as it will increase the ownership, collaboration, and sustainability of the initiative.
He said that the SMC will involve various stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental organizations, and citizen groups, in the planning and implementation of the project.
He also invited the public to share their suggestions and feedback on the project through the SMC’s official website and social media platforms.
Pertinent to mention, the NCAP is a pollution-control initiative that was started by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2019, with the goal of reducing the concentration of course and fine particles by at least 20% in 131 cities by 2025. The SMC is one of the implementing agencies of the program in Srinagar, and has undertaken various measures to mitigate the air pollution and enhance the overall air quality in the city.
