Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Apr 27: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that previous Government has left a huge deficit of Rs 9000 crores and the schemes they have taken up are not proper. He said that his Government is confronted with this huge challenge.
Speaking to reporters during his tour to Srinagar city to assess the developmental works, Mufti informed that previous Government has left huge deficit and said that he will face this challenge boldly. “Whatever they have left they have left huge. The previous Government has left behind a deficit of Rs 9000 crores. Whatever the schemes, they are not proper. It is a big challenge for me. And I will face it boldly”, he said.
When asked about the Central assistance to the State, Mufti said: “You should have your own. When you have your own, they will also support. When you have your own power, they will also provide you.”
On a question about release of political prisoners, the Chief Minister said that there are less than a dozen political prisoners in various jails in or outside the State. “There are not many. You just create this. They are not in numbers. They are not even a dozen,” he told reporters.
On earthquake in Nepal, Mufti said two people from the State have lost their lives in the disaster there. “According to the reports till now, two people from the State have lost their lives. They are from Jammu. We are in touch with the families (of those who are missing). We are monitoring the situation,” he added.
On the reports about experts warning of a high magnitude earthquake in Kashmir, the Chief Minister said: “God forbid, such a thing will not happen here. Do not give a bad omen to us. We have already suffered huge losses due to floods. This will not happen here”.
Mufti visited various areas of Srinagar city in torrential rains to take stock of the developmental works. He visited Jamia Masjid, Hazratbal, Khanqah-e-Moula , Nehru Park, Char Chinari, Sona Lank, Badam Wari , Idgah, Kashmir Haat, Indoor Stadium, Sangarmal, Kashmir Golf Club, Estate Quarters at Pampore, Pantha Chowk, Amar Singh Club and Partap Park to take on the spot assessment of the developmental works taking place at these places.
Chief Minister instructed for underground cabling of the electric wires and improving the facilities at Jamia Masjid. He also asked the Chief Engineer, PDD, to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the historic Masjid.
Mufti issued directions to Commissioner SMC to identify land for construction of a Community-cum-Marriage Hall to facilitate the people residing in the areas adjoining the Jamia Masjid.
Chief Minister visited Hazratbal to review the beautification project of the shrine, which includes marble cladding of the minaret, being done at cost of Rs. 3.60 crore.
Mufti visited Char Chinari and Sona Lank islands in Dal lake and asked Director Tourism to make arrangements for starting cultural evenings and Dunga cruises for providing entertainment to heritage tourists. He also called for shoreline development of Sona Lank and construction of pedestrian walkway along Nehru Park from Nishat to Doldum area.
Chief Minister directed the VC LAWDA to complete the acquisition process for setting into motion the realignment of houseboats so that these are connected to a common sewerage treatment plant. He was informed that clusterization of houseboats at Doldum will be undertaken on a fast-track basis.
Mufti also inspected the Jahangir Chowk-Ram Bagh Flyover during which he was briefed about the alignment of Elevated Expressway Corridor of the project.
Chief Minister reviewed the four-lanning of Boulevard-Kralsangri Road, at Nehru Park. He was informed that the project comes at a cost of Rs. 33.43 crore. He directed provision for a dedicated cycle track within the project.
At Pantha Chowk, Mufti was informed about status of 2.80 km long Pantha Chowk-Zewan four-lanning and widening project.
Chief Minister also visited Idgah, where he directed for a permanent solution to the water-logging. He directed Chief Engineer UEED to ensure that drain and sewer lines are properly laid and connected.
At the Sangarmal Complex, Mufti directed for merging eight kanals of land belonging to Estates Department with Sangarmal Complex which shall enable the commercial complex to have a front-side view facing the Maulana Azad Road. “We will organize amusement and entertainment programmes at Sangarmal to make it an ideal destination for people,” he added.
Chief Minister directed Chief Engineer I&FC to prioritize dredging of the riverbed and strengthening and landscaping of the Jhelum bunds up to Chattabal Veer. He visited the multi-level commercial-cum-parking complex being established at Sheikh Bagh as well as parking slot at Old State Motor Garages premises.
Chief Minister visited Pampore to review the ongoing work on 400 Staff Quarters being constructed by Estates Department at an estimated cost of Rs 90.65 crore.
Minister for Public Works, Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Syed Altaf Bukhari, Minister of State for H&UDD and I&C, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, MLC, Khursheed Alam, and several officers accompanied the Chief Minister to the city tour.
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