Srinagar, May 21: What was meant to add colour and charm to Srinagar’s picturesque Jhelum Riverfront has become the latest target of theft, with several flower pots reportedly disappearing overnight from the popular public space.
The flower pots, installed as part of the city’s beautification drive, were allegedly stolen on Wednesday night, leaving officials disappointed and raising fresh concerns over the protection of public property.
For many morning walkers and visitors, the riverfront has emerged as a symbol of Srinagar’s changing urban landscape. However, the missing flower pots have served as a reminder that maintaining public spaces remains a challenge despite significant investment and effort.
Expressing concern over the incident, Chief Engineer of Srinagar Smart City Limited, Abdul Qayum Kirmani, said authorities were struggling to understand why public assets created for the benefit of citizens continue to be targeted.
“We are trying our level best to beautify the city, but incidents like these are disheartening. We really do not know where these thieves come from or what is wrong with their mindset. These facilities are meant for the public, yet some people choose to damage or steal them,” Kirmani said.
He said Srinagar Smart City would formally approach the police and seek registration of an FIR in connection with the theft.
“We will be writing to the police and will try to lodge an FIR so that those responsible can be identified and action can be taken against them,” he said.
The latest incident comes months after the theft of manhole covers from areas developed under the Smart City project, a case that had also prompted a police complaint.
“Last time, some manhole covers were stolen, and we lodged an FIR then as well. We have not received any update on that case so far,” Kirmani added.
Officials believe repeated incidents of theft and vandalism not only result in financial losses but also undermine efforts to create and maintain quality public spaces for residents and tourists alike.
To prevent such incidents in the future, the Smart City administration is now considering enhanced surveillance measures along vulnerable stretches of the riverfront.
“We will try our level best to install CCTV cameras so that such incidents do not happen again and those involved can be identified,” Kirmani said.
The Jhelum Riverfront project, developed under the Srinagar Smart City Limited initiative, has emerged as one of the city’s most visited public spaces, attracting families, tourists, and fitness enthusiasts alike. With landscaped walkways, decorative lighting, and rows of flower pots overlooking the river, the project has been widely appreciated for providing residents with a cleaner and more vibrant recreational space.
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Officials said protecting such public assets requires not only enforcement but also a sense of collective responsibility among citizens, as every act of theft or vandalism ultimately affects the community at large.
