Minister for R&B, Gardens, Parks and Floriculture Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today said the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has identified restoration of the glory of historic city of Srinagar as a priority area and various initiatives are being taken in this regard.Interacting with people at various places during his visit to Habbakadal, Nowpora and its interior to take took stock of the development works and the problems of the people, the Minister said the neglect and deprivation faced by Srinagar would be taken care of and a holistic developmental programme would be launched soon to improve transportation, civic amenities and other facilities in the city.MLA, Habbakadal, Shamima Fardous, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Chief Engineer R&B, MD JKPCC, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation and senior officers of PHE, PDD, I&FC accompanied the Minister.
While inspecting ongoing works at old Habbakadal bridge, the Minister was informed by the MD JKPCC, Mr PL Bushan that work on the bridge has been intensified and will be completed by the end of August this year. He said Rs 2.37 crore are being spent on the project out of which R 1.10 crore have been released so far. Talking to the shopkeepers, whose business has been affected by this bridge, the Minister said that Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed lead Government believes in providing equitable developmental and addressing basic needs to the people irrespective of their political affiliations. He said special attention is being given for the development of the Srinagar city in view of its historical and tourism importance.
Regarding maintenance of Auqaf properties, the Minister assured people that the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities to safeguard these properties.Responding to the grievances of the locals, the Minister asked all concerned officers to immediately remove the vehicles, Horse Carts and other material parked on Habbakadal bridge to ensure hassle-free traffic moment on this important and busy road.Later the Minister visited Nowpora Khayam and discussed the rehabilitation issue with the affected shopkeepers, whose shops have been acquired for road-widening in the area. He asked concerned officers to identify the land where these affected shopkeepers could be rehabilitated. The Minister instructed all concerned officers to repair and upgrade the lanes and drains in the area besides improving P0wer infrastructure and installation of street lights. He also asked chief engineer R&B to look into the issue of widening of Habbakadal-Kanikadal road.