16 projects for Rs. 234 crore have been sanctioned under AMRUT for Srinagar city and out of these work on four has been started. Also the Rs. 3600 crore Smart City project is being submitted to Centre for approval under which 101 projects of city development would be taken.This was disclosed in a meeting of District Development Board Srinagar here today which was chaired by Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, who is also chairperson of the board.The Smart City project among other things envisages development of 1180 acres of old city, rejuvenation and beautification of Jhelum river fronts and adjoining markets, protection and preservation of some 200 marked heritage buildings besides developing walkways and improving urban transportation in the Srinagar city.Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh and several Ministers were present in the meeting.Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the officers to expedite the works and complete the projects within deadline. She said already much of the working season was lost in the Valley and further loss of time cannot be countenanced.
Mehbooba Mufti directed exploring the possibilities of raising flat type accommodations for the city dwellers so that they don’t have to relocate far away and also housing needs of people would also be largely addressed.On the cultural richness of the city, Mehbooba Mufti directed exploring possibilities of setting up an Art Gallery in Srinagar. She said a huge treasure of artifacts in the city is lying unattended and stressed the need for having a gallery to show case the local art and heritage. She also directed expeditious completion of work on the SPS Museum.In the PWD sector, the meeting was informed, six bridges in the district are in advanced stages of completion and are likely to be completed by this year end. Moreover, work on the Rs. 1861 crore semi ring road project for the city is expected to be started this year for which land acquisition process is being expedited.In the health sector, the meeting was informed that nine major projects are under execution in the summer capital. This includes a 500 bedded Pediatric hospital at Bemina and World Bank aided 250 bed additional block of Lal Ded hospital besides developing a Centre of Excellence Ophthalmology Centre at SMHS over a cost of Rs. Seven crore. The meeting was also informed that Solid Waste Management project worth Rs. 90 crore is under execution at Achen.