Asiea conducts city tour, reviews status of ongoing LAWDA, SMC works

SRINAGAR: Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development, Asiea Naqash, today conducted an extensive tour of Srinagar city and reviewed the status of various ongoing works under Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC).

Vice Chairman LAWDA, Collector LAWDA, Chief Town Planner SMC, and other concerned senior officers accompanied the Minister during the visit.

During the tour, the Minister visited Brari Nambal lagoon at Babadem and took stock of its ongoing work for conservation, expansion and beautification of the lagoon. She was informed that 4 machines have been put into service and work at increased pace shall continue for another month.

She also visited SMC dumping site at Achan to inspect the progress of ongoing work on the second dumping yard there. She called for pacing up of the work for its timely completion.

While inspecting proposed site for Bus Terminal at Parimpora, She was informed that besides sumos and matadors the terminal, when completed, will have a capacity for 400 busses. She directed the concerned to expediting the drainage work which will address issues of water logging in the area.

The Minister also visited the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Colony for Dal dwellers at Rakhi Arth in Bemina, where she was informed that out of total 7526 kanals for the colony; as many as 40 kanals have been earmarked for the flood-affected families. On the occasion various public deputations met the Minister and apprised her about various issues confronting them. She listened to their grievances patiently and directed the officers to address their genuine concerns on priority.

Later, Asiea Naqash convened a meeting with the officers at the SDA Complex and stressed on expediting work on all ongoing civic and other developmental projects for their time bound completion.

She directed the officers of LAWDA to intensify vigil to ensure that no illegal construction take place in the vicinity of Dal and Nageen Lakes.

Earlier, the Minister visited the bereaved family of Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, who was electrocuted to death on March 5, and expressed condolences with the family members of deceased laborer.