Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, conducted an extensive tour of Srinagar city to make an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing developmental and beautification works being carried out under Srinagar Smart City Mission, officials said today.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Commissioner SMC & CEO Srinagar Smart City; VC Lakes Conservation and Management Authority; VC, SDA, and other concerned officers from line departments.
During the tour, the Chief Secretary visited Moominabad Batamaloo, Tatoo Ground, Jhelum Riverfront Development Project, Traditional Souq Market and Craft Center, GhantaGhar, Srinagar Plaza, Nishat Garden precinct, Northern Foreshore Road, and Shalimar Canal, said an official.
Dr. Mehta observed that the developed Jhelum Riverfront together with Srinagar Plaza near Ghanta Ghar was going to become a major attraction in the city. He directed the concerned officers to further accelerate the pace of work and ensure the completion of all these projects at the earliest.
Reviewing the progress of Dal Lake cleaning at Nishat, the Chief Secretary expressed satisfaction with the cleanliness of the water body. He said that the water body looks much better than earlier, but also emphasized greater efforts for an even better outcome. He directed the VC, LC&MA to expedite the Houseboat sewerage connections and shift their focus towards the cleanliness of the interiors of the lake also. He also directed them to start water sports activities in the Dal for adding charm to the lake and creating livelihoods.
Dr Mehta observed that the city is fast changing for the better with the brisk pace of the completion of smart city projects. He added that these ongoing works would further give a massive facelift to the city thereby enhancing its appeal for all the residents and tourists.
On a visit to Dal Lake, Dr Mehta inspected the work of lakefront development along the Northern Foreshore Road of the Lake from Nishat to NaseemBagh including a pedestrian walkway. The development also has components of cycle track construction & viewing decks.
The Chief Secretary highlighted the need for connecting all the houseboats with the STPs. He directed for utilizing of the 36 MLD capacity of Sewage Treatment optimally and connecting all the 900 houseboats in the lake with the Sewage lines forthwith.
The Chief Secretary also examined the works for the upgradation and redevelopment of the Nishat Bagh precinct including allied road works, pathways, a plaza, a wooden deck, and landscaping of its surroundings including that of the development of the Shalimar canal.
The Chief Secretary was informed that the development of the footpath including its finishing, cycle tracks, green spaces, landscaping, undergrounding of electrical cables, etc is part of the project at Foreshore Road. The project is to be completed at a cost of Rs 32.50 Cr.
The Chief Secretary was assured by the executing agencies that they are committed to complete all these projects at the earliest. They apprised him that they would enhance the pace of work on each site. They further said that they shall work day in and day out to meet all the deadlines set by him during the visit.
On the occasion, he was apprised that out of 137 SSCL works, 66 stands were completed and the work is going on more than 77 projects. These projects will not only upgrade infrastructure but would also improve the quality of life of the citizens.
