Srinagar: The Council of Ministers, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has accorded approval for the establishment of an 800 TPD Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) Project at Achan, Srinagar, at an estimated cost of ₹361 crore, an official press release informed Thursday.
It said the decision was taken during the 6th meeting of the Council of Ministers with the objective of strengthening scientific waste management infrastructure in Srinagar and ensuring sustainable disposal and processing of municipal solid waste in an environmentally responsible manner.
The proposed Integrated Solid Waste Management Project is aimed at enhancing the waste processing capacity of Srinagar city through modern and efficient systems for collection, segregation, treatment and disposal of solid waste. The project is expected to significantly improve sanitation standards, reduce environmental pollution and contribute towards cleaner and healthier urban surroundings.
The establishment of the facility at Achan is also expected to support long-term urban planning and environmental sustainability efforts while addressing the growing waste management requirements of the city in view of rapid urban expansion and population growth.
Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has approved the upgradation of Sub-District Hospital Hazratbal by granting relaxation in the buffer zone restrictions under the Srinagar Master Plan–2035, an official press release informed Thursday.
It said the decision was taken during the 6th meeting of the Council of Ministers, with the objective of strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring improved healthcare delivery in the interest of better patient care.
The project had remained stalled for several years due to various obstacles arising from restrictions under the buffer zone provisions, causing considerable inconvenience to the public.
Recognising the hardships faced by the people and the urgent need for enhanced healthcare facilities in the area, the Cabinet headed by the Chief Minister took a “historic decision” to intervene and relax the restrictions, paving the way for the long-pending upgradation of the hospital.
With the approval, the hospital is expected to be equipped with expanded infrastructure and improved medical facilities, including blood bank services, operation theatres and specialised treatment facilities for various ailments.
The move is aimed at reducing the need for patients to seek admissions and treatment elsewhere.
Locals of the area expressed gratitude to the chief minister for the decision, stating that the hospital currently suffers from severe space constraints and lacks adequate facilities for patients and attendants, the press release said.
They said the upgradation of the hospital would significantly ease public difficulties and provide better healthcare access to the people of Hazratbal and adjoining areas.
