Beautification of Srinagar, Jammu under high focus: Omar

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah laying foundation stone of STP on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah laying foundation stone of STP on Tuesday.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 26:  Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said that beautification of Srinagar and Jammu cities remained under high focus during the last about six years of his Government, adding that numerous basic amenities upgrading and improving projects were launched and completed in the twin capitals of the State during this period. He said a number of schemes were also started to enhance basic services and decongest traffic system.
The Chief Minister said that various sewerage and drainage schemes have been launched and completed in Srinagar and Jammu cities which include construction of STPs and sewerage system. He said two flyovers at a cost of over Rs. 350 crores are under execution at present while more than a dozen of bridges have been constructed in the two cities to smoothen plying of vehicles and benefit the people in general.
Omar Abdullah said that more and more tourism and economic activities are being generated to give fillip to the economy and help holistic development.
The Chief Minister today inaugurated Office Complex of Public Service Commission (PSC) at Solina and also laid the foundation of Pilot Sewerage Scheme for Rajbagh area where he also interacted with the people.
The Chief Minister said that the STP near Zero Bridge will help way to address the sewerage disposal of the area in a scientific manner and help maintain cleanliness in the area. He said Heritage Zero Bridge will be completed within one year. He said 4-laning of Boulevard and upgrading of road communication system within the city besides providing additional bye-passes are in offing in the Srinagar city.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the new office complex of PSC constructed at a cost of Rs 26.60 crore and consists of a main building comprising ground floor and three stories. There are ten rooms for Members, two examination halls, office rooms, meeting hall, guest house of eight rooms and 20 No. staff quarters. The complex is situated on an area of 23.8 kanals of land. The project was started in October 2008 and its executing agency is JKPCC.
Earlier, Omar Abdullah laid the foundation of Sewerage Treatment Plant for Rajbagh area of Zone-1 of Greater Srinagar. The project involves an estimated cost of about Rs. 250 lakhs and it will benefit a projected population of 8500 souls as also as many as hundred hotels in the area.
The areas to be benefited by the scheme are Old Gadhanjipora, Kursoo, Aramwari, Zero Bridge, New Gadhanjipora, Pukhtoon Lane, etc. The plant will be completed with a period of three months.
Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Urban Development, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, Legislator, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chairman Public Service Commission, S. L. Bhat were present on the occasion among others.