Khwaja Farooq Renzu Shah, Vice-Chairman Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) is a dynamic personality of Jammu Kashmir state. Besides being known for his administrative skills, he is a renowned poetic and literary personality and Author of several Books.
In an exclusive interview with The Kashmir Scenario, Khwaja Farooq Renzu Shah talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
How do you view the development of Srinagar when compared to the development of neighboring cities especially the cities of Northern India?
I feel Srinagar as a city has its own importance not only in state, country but on global levels. It is among few cities of world which has historical & cultural background dating back thousands of years. We have seen this great city shaped by different dynasties and great personalities. The present flourishing looks of our city date back to some 700 years ago.
What is being done to streamline the process related to building permissions as in the past two decades this process had gone haywire on account of turmoil as a result of which illegal constructions have cropped up. Your take on this?
I fully agree that there was a period of anarchy and during this period number of constructions came up which should have not come. But, once rule of law was established we have seen restoration of heritage and culture and now no building permissions are given without proper framework by LAWDA, SDA or SMC .We make it sure that every construction comes under the Master Plan which envisages sustainable and planned constructions and development.
What is your take on the use of agricultural land for construction purposes?
You are right that agricultural land should not be taken for construction and even the master plan clearly states that. Srinagar Development Authority as a custodian of master plan is making it sure that no further agricultural land should be converted into construction purposes and during turmoil some discrepancies did take place .In this regard, we are making a broad-based survey to either remove or regularize wherever discrepancies have occurred.
Despite of difficulties due to turbulent situation of last two decades, we have also achieved much progress to protect the “Greenbelt” and several esteemed and well-planned road projects have come up in the Srinagar City.
So, Srinagar people should hope for better tomorrow?
Not only hope but the people of Srinagar have better future. One should look at the city like Bangalore , it has become too much dirty due to rampant urbanization and population growth. On the other hand Srinagar as good point to think that apart from development of Srinagar city the rural areas have also seen rapid development taking place as a result of which migration has decreased. At one point due to lack of development of in rural areas the migration to Srinagar was high now due to widespread development in rural areas the migration flow is low.
We also need to bear in mind that Srinagar City as a city has very less development of Slum as compared to other neighboring cities.
On account of these positive realities, Srinagar as city would not witness population explosion and certainly the city is destined for better future.
Do you believe by licensing the ‘Street Vendors’ one can address the mess created by them on our footpaths and pavements?
I would like to state that licensing would give them legal rights to occupy a particular place permanently, so one cannot give them license. There have been efforts to provide them some sort of separate space. All this requires a policy plan so that thousands of persons involved in “Street vendor activity” would be provided meaningful avenues.
How would you describe the growing Mall culture in Srinagar? Are we overdoing this concept?
I am of this opinion that malls should have modern compatibility. As a matter of fact, Malls are beautiful city centers in different parts of the world. Why should we remain aloof from this development? We should build as much malls as possible because Mall is a compact business hub. People have felt great positive difference with coming up of malls.
SDA has revived in a great manner the “Sangarmaal” and we would take the concept of building malls ahead in a positive manner.
You are also a known figure related to promotion of harmony and shrines. Your take?
I have recently taken a procession of 2 lac Muslims to promote harmony. We all-Shia,Sunni, Hanafi, Hanbali etc are brothers . There can be different schools. But, we all should work on unity of mind. Muslims should be known as symbols of love. I go to shrine with full faith and nobody can stop me.