Tanvir Sadiq Flags Ad Discrimination, Dal Rehabilitation Delays & Hazratbal Chandelier Disappearance in Assembly

Srinagar, February 18: MLA Zadibal and Chief Spokesperson of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, Tanvir Sadiq, delivered a strong and comprehensive speech in the Legislative Assembly during discussions on grants related to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Tanvir Sadiq addressing Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on advertisement policy, Dal Lake rehabilitation and Hazratbal Shrine issue

Praise for Leadership & Ranji Trophy Achievement

Opening his remarks with a poetic verse, Sadiq congratulated the Chief Minister and his team for their leadership and governance vision. He also lauded the historic achievement of the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team for reaching the Ranji Trophy final, calling it a proud moment for the region and urging the government to formally felicitate the players.

Alleged Discrimination in Government Advertisements

Raising serious concerns, Sadiq revealed alleged irregularities in the allocation of government advertisements. Referring to details obtained through an unstarred Assembly question, he stated that advertisements were being disproportionately granted to lesser-known publications while established and credible media houses were comparatively neglected.

He questioned whether the allocation criteria were based on readership and credibility or favoritism and proximity. Sadiq demanded a transparent review of the 2020 Advertisement Policy to ensure fairness and equal treatment for all recognized media institutions.

Additionally, he called for pension benefits for accredited journalists and emphasized introducing journalism education at the 10+2 level to strengthen professional standards in the media sector.

Srinagar’s Worsening Waste Management Crisis

Highlighting the alarming garbage crisis in Srinagar, Sadiq stressed the urgent need for modernization of waste disposal systems. He strongly advocated adopting the Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) model, which converts municipal waste into fuel for cement plants.

He stated that the delay in implementing such solutions was administrative rather than technical and urged immediate action.

Dal Lake Rehabilitation Delays

Sadiq expressed deep concern over the slow pace of rehabilitation of Dal Lake residents, particularly in the Mir Behri area. Although nearly 400 structures have been identified for relocation and rehabilitation, only about 150 allotments have reportedly been made, with many beneficiaries yet to receive full support.

He pointed out that affected families are struggling due to ownership clarity issues, preventing them from completing revenue mutation processes and causing financial distress.

He reiterated his demand for developing a Tourist Village in Dal Lake, easing registration processes, and initiating projects like the Khushalsar Boardwalk to promote eco-tourism and generate livelihoods.

Call for Urban Governance Reforms

Addressing broader structural challenges, Sadiq highlighted funding limitations affecting Srinagar due to NABARD’s rural funding model. He called for dedicated urban funding through CRF, expansion of AMRUT schemes, and special infrastructure packages for the city.

He emphasized vertical housing development to address land scarcity and proposed the formation of an Urban Commission to tackle sewerage, drainage, and overall infrastructure challenges.

Missing Historic Chandelier at Hazratbal Shrine

Raising a matter of serious concern, Sadiq highlighted the reported disappearance of a historic chandelier at Hazratbal Shrine, believed to be of Czechoslovakian origin. He demanded a thorough investigation and accountability to protect the region’s heritage assets.

In a sharp political remark, he cautioned against distorting historical facts and emphasized that leadership must remain grounded in truth and accountability.

“Power is temporary. History is permanent. Leadership must remain grounded in truth and accountability,” he said.