The Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, today conducted an extensive tour of Baba Demb and its adjoining areas to oversee the restoration works of Brari Nambal Lagoon.The Minister was accompanied by MLC Mohammad Khursheed Aalam, Commissioner Secretary Housing, Hirdesh Kumar; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone; Commissioner SMC, Dr Shafqat Khan; VC LWDA, Dr Abdul Hafiz Shah; ADCs Poornima Mital, Collector Sajad Qadri and SEs of R&B and Drainage, Executive Engineer PHE and other concerned officials.It was informed that the conservation and beautification of Brari Nambal Lagoon has been approved in State Annual Action Plan for Srinagar city under AMRUT at an estimated cost of Rs 16.91 crore.While directing the officials to expedite the speed of work, the Minister said that the restoration of Brari Nambal Lagoon is the priority of the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, which needs to be completed at the earliest possible timeframe.On the occasion, the Minister directed the VC LAWDA to place indent of 60 Kanals of land in presence of Collector who will issue notice under Section 4 for acquisition of propriety land for the development.
He asked the Commissioner Sectary Housing to expedite the release of funds once the acquisition formalities are completed.Bukhari directed the officials to start the beautification works of walkways around the Lagoon. He asked the officials to speed up the pace of removing weeds and to maintain cleanliness of embankments of the Lagoon on the daily basis.On the occasion, various local residents met Bukhari and appraised him about their issues in the area. He was informed that the land for the community hall was identified but due to encroachment nothing was done afterwards. On visiting the identified land for Community Hall, Bukhari gave on spot directions to Deputy Commissioner to remove the encroachment within 15 days and assured people of the area that the Community Hall shall come at identified place.Later, the Minister visited the area near Sangarmal City Centre where residents appraised him about the drainage issues in the area wherein the Minister directed the concerned officials to resolve the issue at the earliest.