Governor reviews Rs 100 cr expansion plan of SMVD University

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 17:  Governor N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, was apprised about the expansion plans of the University with respect to construction of three proposed buildings, namely a new Academic Block, an Indoor Sports Complex and a Scholars Family Hostel.
Governor was given a presentation about these projects by representatives of M/s Kothari Associates Pvt. Ltd, the Architect Consultant engaged by SMVD University.
B. B. Vyas, Member of the Shrine Board; Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to Governor; Dheeraj Gupta CEO SMVD Shrine Board; Dr Sanjeev Jain Vice Chancellor SMVD University; Dr. V K Bhat Registrar of University and other officials of SMVDU participated in the meeting.
Governor advised the VC’s team and the Architects to ensure that the buildings are optimally located, keeping in view the longer-term land requirement in the Campus. He advised that the details of the buildings should be finalized entirely in line with sustainable and green practices and directed that all buildings should provide for access to disability, generation of renewable energy through installation solar panels, and both conservation and harvesting of water resources.
The proposed Academic Block as envisaged will facilitate academic activities of mainly Engineering and Science disciplines with provision of Laboratories, Class Rooms and Lecture Theatres of varied capacities, Dean’s Annexe and Faculty Rooms at various floors in the five storeyed high building.
To facilitate extra- curricular activities and encourage students to develop their talents, an Indoor Sports Stadium shall be constructed in the University campus, which will have a Basket Ball, Badminton and Squash Courts; Table Tennis Hall; Skating Rink; Boxing Ring; Swimming Pool together with a running track. To meet the needs of increasing social events, a community hall has also been proposed in the complex.
To foster research, in line with the vision of the University, a Scholars Family Hostel is also proposed to be constructed for married research scholars. It will comprise 50 residential units with the facility of common rooms and children’s play areas.
Meanwhile, Governor chaired a meeting to review the ongoing Dal-Nageen Lake Conservation, Management and Rehabilitation programmes.
After reviewing the cleaning and de-weeding programmes of Dal Lake, Governor directed that the cleaning of Dal Lake must commence immediately, but no later than 25th July. VC  LAWDA was directed to formulate a concrete proposal for the effective sewage disposal of 900 House Boats; assess capacity of existing STPs against total of the existing demand and determine the number and capacity of all those who had encroached on the Lake; list all issues regarding the relocation of all those who had encroached on the Lake; list all those who have been rehabilitated and have returned to the Lake; prepare a list of all building/refer sanctions issued since 1-1-17; immediately organize satellite mapping of the entire Dal Lake area, once every month.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir was directed to initiate the identification and removal of all Dal dwellers who after receiving compensation are still living in their previous habitations. He shall also prepare a list of fresh encroachments/ Master Plan violations with in the entire Dal Lake area on urgent basis.