Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today called on the officers to ensure the completion of all developmental projects in Srinagar within the stipulated time so that the pristine glory of the capital city is revived and it becomes epitome of facilities for locals and tourists alike.
The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at the Board of Directors meeting of J&K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) and Srinagar Development Authority (SDA).
The meetings were also attended by Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Asiea Naqash, Commissioner Secretary Housing Hridesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone, Vice-Chairman LAWD/SDA and other officers.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the Government is committed to ensure all modern civic facilities for Srinagar and for this all resources are being put to use. Terming Dal Lake as the crown of the state, Dr Singh called on the officers to expedite the conservation work on the lake so that the lake continues to remain point of attraction for the tourists. He stressed on prioritizing works related to upgrading sewerage network around Dal lake and the sewer lines at Kohnakhan and adjoining areas.
Dr Singh also directed the officials to finalize the upgradation plan for three Sewerage Treatment Plants (STP) around Dal Lake and expedite construction of fourth STP with latest technology under AMRUT. The Board also desired that CCTV cameras be installed at the identified sites immediately.
The VC LAWDA informed the Board that the work on various projects in Dal Lake suffered due to unfavorable conditions and the department is working overtime to complete various sewerage related works by the end of March 2017. The relocation of houseboats to Dole Demb was also discussed and it was decided to speed up the work. Divisional Commissioner assured the Board members that the acquisition process will be completed on priority.
The meeting was informed that the long pending demand of earth for filling at Rakh-e-Arth has been fulfilled and Deputy Commissioner Budgam has allowed lifting of earth filling material from the district. The earth excavated from Rambagh flood channel will also be utilized for parks and roads in the area.
Deputy Chief Minister was informed that a Draft Vision Document prepared by IIT Roorkee has been received by the authority and has been sent to the scientific advisory committee constituted recently by the government for perusal and views. He directed the officials to hold a workshop inviting all the stakeholders and other experts in the field for deliberations on the vision document.
The Board appreciated the work done by LAWDA during the unrest and confirmed the action taken by the Vice-Chairman in felicitating the Casual Labourers who worked in double shifts during the unrest for cleanliness of the lake.
The Board also enhanced the monthly remuneration with an honorarium of Rs 1000 in respect of Demolition Squad Members who are working on consolidated basis for a long time. The issues related to services of employees were directed to be placed before the Establishment Committee. It was also decided that DPC be convened within 20 days and all pending issues viz-a-viz stagnation, Insitu Promotion etc be cleared. The Board also approved placement of Helpers in the hierarchy of LOA in terms of Government Order No. 257-F of 2008.
While presiding over the 75th Board Meeting of Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), the Deputy Chief Minister said that proper planning holds key to the development of Srinagar and due care be taken in this regard. While calling for vertical development of residential buildings, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the city faces dearth of land for housing purposes and maximum benefit be taken from minimum resources.
The Deputy Chief Minister was informed that new Master Plan for Srinagar has been completed and will be put in the public domain before 31 December 2016. The Chief Town Planner present in the meeting said that the Master Plan is exhaustive in nature and will be the one of the best in country.
The issue of acquisition of land at proposed satellite township in Rakh-e-Gund Aksha was also discussed. The Minister said that the bottlenecks in the acquisition process with regard to grant of maintenance charges to Kamas be resolved so that 4200 kanals of state land becomes available to SDA to development of housing facilities. He said the satellite township will be a great addition in the city and it will give a new direction towards government plans of providing affordable yet high standard of living.
The meeting also discussed issues related to transfer of state land at Palladium cinema which is under litigation, charging of processing fee from applicants seeking NOCs/Building permissions, Allotment of shops/commercial spaces in Sangarmaal city centre and deposition of premium, development of multi level car parking at Lal Chowk etc. The Deputy Chief Minister directed the officials to expedite the projects so that they are completed within the stipulated time.
The Deputy Chief Minister also took review of the work done with regard to implementation of orders from last Board meeting. He directed the officials to make an impact on ground by completing the projects that act as catalysts to major positive changes.
