Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday called for transparent, efficient and sustainable urban development, stressing that all projects within the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) be implemented in a time-bound manner while ensuring adherence to planning norms and public interest.
Abdullah made these remarks while chairing the 84th meeting of the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) Board of Directors at the Civil Secretariat.
The meeting reviewed the implementation status of decisions taken in the previous Board meeting and considered a range of issues relating to urban infrastructure development, housing, organisational reforms, land management and progress in execution of various projects by the Authority, an official spokesman said.
The Board took note of the action taken report on decisions of the previous meeting, including identification of land for public infrastructure projects, progress in development initiatives, engagement of key technical personnel and other administrative measures undertaken by the Authority.
The meeting reviewed the status of major urban development projects being undertaken by the SDA, including the proposed satellite township at Rakhi Gund Aksha, Bemina, development of commercial assets, housing projects and other infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving urban facilities in Srinagar.
Referring to the proposed satellite township at Rakhi Gund Aksha and other upcoming housing projects, the chief minister underscored the importance of creating well-planned, aesthetically appealing and livable urban spaces.
He stressed that housing development should incorporate adequate civic and social infrastructure, including schools, parks, playgrounds, shopping facilities and other essential amenities, while ensuring quality landscaping and attractive surroundings that enhance the overall urban environment.
The Board also discussed measures for strengthening the institutional capacity of the Authority, formulation of recruitment rules, implementation of welfare measures for employees and steps for improving planning and development activities.
The proposal relating to revision and implementation of Srinagar Master Plan, preparation of zonal development plans, management of commercial assets, development of public infrastructure and budget estimates of the Authority were reviewed during the meeting.
Chief Minister Abdullah emphasised the need for transparent, efficient and sustainable urban development, directing that all projects be implemented in a time-bound manner while ensuring adherence to planning norms and public interest.
He stressed the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms and improving delivery of civic and urban services to meet the growing needs of the city. He exhorted the SDA to focus on large-scale housing projects to address the housing needs of Srinagar city and also improve parking facilities in the busy areas of Srinagar.
The board underlined the need for planned development of Batmaloo area and making Sangarmal Shopping Centre fully functional. The board also gave directions to develop the vacant land parcels near Sangarmal by taking up key projects at the site.
Meanwhile, he laid foundation stones for two major sewerage projects worth Rs 26.54 crore here to strengthen wastewater management and improve urban sanitation.
These were the augmentation and upgradation of the 17.08 MLD (million litres per day) capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at BrariNambal at a cost of Rs 12 crore, and the construction of a 2.5 MLD capacity STP, along with laying of 3.95 kilometres of sewer lines, at Chattabal at an estimated cost of Rs 14.54 crore, an official spokesperson said.
These projects are being executed under the Capex Programme of the Urban Environmental Engineering Department in Kashmir, under the Housing and Urban Development Department, he said.
Speaking at the event, the chief minister said strengthening urban infrastructure, particularly sewage and wastewater treatment systems, remains a key priority of the government to ensure sustainable development and improved quality of life for citizens.
Abdullah emphasised that the projects would significantly enhance sewage treatment capacity, improve environmental conditions and contribute towards the conservation of water bodies in and around Srinagar.
The Brari Nambal project will upgrade the existing sewage treatment infrastructure to improve efficiency and cater to the growing wastewater management requirements of the city, the spokesperson said.
He said the Chattabal project, comprising a new STP and an extensive sewer network, is expected to provide improved sanitation facilities to the area and help prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into water channels.
The projects are expected to play a significant role in enhancing Srinagar’s urban infrastructure and promoting environmentally sustainable wastewater management practices, the spokesperson added.
