In order to get first hand information about the problems being faced by the public, the Minister for R&B, Gardens, Parks and Floriculture, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, visited Sariabala, Gonikhan, Mahraja Bazar and Hanuman Mandir areas. He conducted an extensive visit of the interior lanes of these areas and received brief from the people, living there, about the basic facilities available to them.Chief Engineer, R&B, SK Razdan, Superintending Engineer, SMC, Ishtiaq Ahmad Shah besides other senior officers from PHE, R&B, Power, SDA, Irrigation and Flood Control departments were accompanied the Minister.The people, among other things, demanded augmentation in drinking water supply, macadamization of interior roads, replacement of old poles and conductors, restoration of chocked drains, development of lanes besides setting up of ration depot. They also demanded early construction on community hall for which land stands already identified.
The Minister while listening the demands of the people said that Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed led Government has started a massive restoration programme in flood hit areas of the State and assured the people that their all basic facilities affected in the September 2014 floods would be improved. He said all the departments have been asked to visit such areas and address the problems of the people on priority.Seeking cooperation from the people in taking forward the development programme in the area, the Minister said the roads and lanes encroached need to be removed immediately. Setting October 12, a dead line for removing the encroachment in the area, the Minister warned that a demolishing drive would be started against those who fail to remove the encroachment at their own. He said every step of the Government would be for the benefit of the people and asked them to involve themselves in the programs and policies being undertaken for their welfare.
The Minister released Rs. 25 lakh for construction of Community Hall in the area and asked the officers of Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) to start land transferring process to the R&B department. It was decided that foundation of the building will be laid on October 15.Altaf Bukhari asked the engineers of R&B to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the complex. He also ordered for macadamization of Gonikhan market and other areas before Eid.While interacting with the people of the area, the Minister assured people that the problem of the water scarcity would be addressed within three months. He said the process for taking water pipes to the area has been started and will take some time for completing the job. He said the priority would be construction of drains followed by the macadamization of roads in the area.The People while interacting with the Minister demanded enhancement and early disbursement of flood relief, the Minister said them that Government is making all out efforts for providing maximum relief to flood hit families and assured them that their demands would be looked into.