A ruling PDP MLA left the Jammu and Kashmir government red-faced after he raised question over delay in finalisation of master plans for the twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu.
The PDP legislator and former minister, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, also accused the government of making "mockery of the system" over the delay.
When Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, who holds the portfolio of housing and urban development department, said a committee has been formed and the master plans would be finalised shortly, Mir accused the government of using "diversionary tactics".
"The draft master plan of Srinagar Metropolitan region (2015-35) has been prepared by Chief Town Planner (Kashmir) in consultation with the stake holders and experts within and outside the state.
"The master plan was put to public domain from May 2017 to October 6, 2017 for receiving objections or suggestions from the general public," Singh said.
He said government has constituted the committee for scrutinising objections and suggestions received in this regard, following which Mir questioned the utility of the committee, saying three years have passed and the master plan is yet to be finalised which tantamount to "mockery of system".
The deputy chief minister defended the move and said the smart city proposal approved by the government has most of its projects aligned with the master plan proposal.
"In fact, the basic input was taken out from the draft master plan so that both the documents are in harmony with each other and share common targets and objectives," he said.
The master plan is underway for finalisation and expected to be completed shortly. PTI