Srinagar, Jul 30 (KINS) Former Union minister and senior Congress leader Prof Saifuddin Soz on Friday demanded cancellation of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Jindal South-West Foundation (JSWF) for preservation of Nishat and Shalimar gardens on the bank of Dal Lake.
This is a proof of administration being out of touch with local scenario, Prof Soz said in a statement here today.
He said it is a tragic situation that the administration is largely out of touch with the local political mainstream parties. The Administration is also out of touch with local experts, who could advise it on certain developmental matters, especially conservation of Mughal Gardens in Srinagar, he said.
Prof Soz said it is further-more unfortunate that “Agency System” and “Money Factor” have assumed primary importance in ‘Decision Making Process’ in the J&K UT, although much must be happening without the Lt. Governor being informed.
“At a time when the Central Government has adopted a hostile attitude towards the political mainstream of Kashmir, it is but natural that the local administration will not be interested to be in touch with the ainstream political class” , he said.
He said “it is almost twenty years ago that I had gone to the Nishat Garden to understand the implications of ‘Climate Change’ from the Head Gardener there. That means, we have sufficient expertise available with us.
He urged the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to cancel the MoU with the Jindal South-West Foundation in respect of conservation of Mughal Gardens. “I would plead with the Mr Sinha that he should hold a meeting with the local experts on Floriculture including the ones, who have retired.”
