By Ajay Jadhav
With the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir relatively stable, the municipal corporations in Pune and Srinagar are planning to resume work to give shape to the first-of-its-kind ‘sister city’ agreement finalised by the two in 2008. That would mean that the two corporations would work together, help each other out, and learn from each other’s experiences in carrying out civic projects, and improve the civic standards in their respective cities.
“The two municipal corporations had signed an MoU in 2008 but there has not been much progress in achieving its goals due to the prevailing situation. Now, the situation in Srinagar is much more conducive to strengthen the bond between the two cities and help each other in development activities,” said Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol.
He said the removal of Article 370 has led to a situation in Srinagar that will enable the two civic bodies to make most out of the ‘sister city’ agreement.
“The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sought help from Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) in developing the Mughal Garden on Sinhagad Road. Also, Pune has a junction named Pune-Kashmir Maitri Chowk in Katraj depicting the friendship between the two cities. The civic body in Pune has taken up a beautification drive in a big way, and this would include putting up of murals to display cultural unity of both the cities,” Mohol said.
The PMC would provide its expertise to SMC on improving public transport systems, sewage treatment, solid waste management and metro rail projects. “The SMC will gain from the development experience of the PMC. There will be exchange of technical expertise, technical guidance and consultations,” he added.
Pune is also home to several Kashmiris, both from Jammu as well as the Valley. A large number of Kashmiri students are enrolled in the city’s educational institutions. ( Indian Express )
