Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 7: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu called for several measures aimed at conservation and beautification of Dal lake with active involvement of local community and stakeholders, at a high level review meeting held at Srinagar today.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan; Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam; Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Dheeraj Gupta; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmed Khan; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; Vice Chairman LAWDA, Tufail Matto; CE PWD Sami Arif and other officers.
The Lt Governor reviewed the proposals for construction of western foreshore road, strengthening of equipment and machinery, measures for conservation, beautification and rehabilitation. He called for comprehensive proposal for safeguarding livelihood of Dal dwellers and their active involvement in conservation process.
He directed the authorities for protection of boundaries of lake, completion of Sewerage Treatment Plant works by August 2020, enhancing efforts for deweeding, beautification of available land patches, re-surfacing of road on periphery of lake, improving street lighting network, providing Smart Cards to Dal Dwellers, finalization of rehabilitation plan based on the survey conducted and scientific measures for conservation of lake. He also directed for periodic reviews of progress achieved and planning required interventions accordingly.
Lt Governor while reviewing the proposal for western foreshore road directed the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar for initiating the process for acquisition of land for road corridor and Chief Engineer PWD for simultaneous process for finalization of DPR and initiating the tendering process with aim for completion of road within stipulated time. He further directed for measures aimed at aesthetic improvement of area, green spaces, walkways, heritage markets and other amenities on the banks of lake involving local residents.
A presentation on rehabilitation plan was also made, on which the Lt Governor directed for providing best amenities including schools, medical facilities, community halls, drainage, roads and other requirements. The VC LAWDA was directed for ensuring completion of Dol-dem project latest by November 2020. He also directed for planning STPs for cluster of houseboats as a part of the project.
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan discussed about a host of measures being taken and made suggestions on the improvement of cleaning process in lake.
Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam asked the Housing and Urban Development Department for sustained efforts for strengthening administrative, infrastructural and legislative framework of the lakes development authority for efficient delivery of plans finalized.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor, while meeting several deputations at SKICC Srinagar here today, said that Government is taking several steps for weaker sections, economic development, enabling atmosphere for employment creation, economic development, tribal and community welfare.
Deputations of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, J&K Gujjar and Bakkerwal Association, Kashmir Economic Alliance, Transporters Welfare Association, Dal Dwellers Association, Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Association, Employees Associations, J&K Wokers Party, PHD Chamber of Commerce, Youth groups and several organizations called on the Lt Governor and projected their demands and issues.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor said that community involvement in rehabilitation and planning is the hallmark of Dal dwellers rehabilitation process and Government is sensitive to the needs of their livelihood and economic development, for which effective steps have been finalized. On being informed about the issues of the transport organizations, he asked the concerned authorities for coming up with concrete proposals to resolve their issues.
The Lt Governor said that Forests Rights Act will be extended to Jammu and Kashmir to empower the forest dwelling tribal communities. Emphasizing the need of efforts for tribal development, he said that number of scholarships for students has undergone a massive rise and 100 new hostels are being established. The deputation of Gujjar and Bakerwal association also projected the demand for a Gujjar Regiment, reservation issues and recruitment.
Emphasizing the need for constructive engagement of youth in Kashmir, the Lt Governor said that sports infrastructure would be strengthened at Panahcyat level and indoor stadiums are being provided in every district. He asked the NGOs to play their role in soft-skills, public communication and awareness
The Lt Governor also listened to the demands related to road safety and said that road engineering would be modernized and steps would be taken for establishment of Emergency Trauma Centers along the highways.
Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan; Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam; Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Dheeraj Gupta; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmed Khan; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary were also present on the occasion.
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