Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon today called for concerted efforts to make Srinagar city and all the towns of Kashmir clean and green.He was speaking at a meeting convened to review the sanitation works being undertaken in Srinagar and major towns of Kashmir. Officials of LAWDA, Rural bodies, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, UEED, NBCC and others attended the meeting.The meeting was informed that work is underway to tackle solid and liquid waste on scientific lines. Dr. Samoon said that Kashmir is known for its pristine environment and every effort should be made to preserve it. He said that government is committed to connect all households in Srinagar to Sewerage Treatment Plants (STP). He directed the concerned officials to expedite work on other STPs including the one proposed at Alochibagh. He asked the officials to tackle the draining of sewerage into Nigeen Lake to preserve its purity.
The meeting was informed that with Rs 42 crores more coming to National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), around 50000 households in Srinagar would be connected to STP soon.The Divisional Commissioner directed the SMC to start sweeping and collecting garbage early in the morning to avoid inconvenience to people. He stressed on the need to segregate waste before its disposal. The meeting was informed that a proposed slaughterhouse at Alochibagh would take care of animal waste produced from the slaughter of 500 animals per day. SMC is also procuring machines under Rs 25 crore plan to remove blockage of drains.While expressing concern over the use of polythene in Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner called for taking innovative ways to tackle the issue.
The meeting was informed that National Green Tribunal has given go-ahead to steps for disposing off the polythene by burning them at Jammu Kashmir cements factory.During the meeting Vice Chairman LAWDA informed that Rs 258 crores have been spent so far under National Lake Conservation Plan which envisages Rs 298 crores. Further Rs 15 crores have been released under the plan. Dr. Samoon asked the officers to expedite work at Rakh-i-Arth, where Dal dwellers are being relocated.Director Rural Bodies informed the meeting that dumping sites at various towns are being developed on modern lines. Dr. Samoon said that government is keen to plant record number of trees during the current year.