Minister for Public Works, Naeem Akhtar, today directed the concerned to immediately start construction work on the Rs 12 crore drainage project surrounding the shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) at Chrar-e-Sharief here.The Minister issued these instructions during his visit to the shrine, directing for immediate commencement of phase one of the project, from Kumar Mohalla to the shrine, to be executed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.5 crore.The Minister also directed for revamping of Bada Talab, instructing the Housing and Urban Development Department to prepare and submit a project report at the earliest.He also entrusted upon the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department to ensure upkeep of the Talab under the supervision of DDC Budgam besides directing the concerned department to carry out immediate de-silting of the Talab.
Naeem Akhtar also directed for recycling of water from the Talab on a weekly basis and ordered immediate renovation and repairs of its toilet block and boundary walls. He also instructed the concerned to set up aerators and make the fountain in the Talab functional.
While taking stock of pace of other ongoing works, the Minister was apprised of the status of under-construction shopping complex being set up for the rehabilitation of shopkeepers, being informed that work on the complex will be completed within the next six months.Earlier, while taking stock of progress of ongoing works at the shrine, Naeem Akhtar directed for immediate muck-clearing and cleaning, resurfacing and beautification of the shrine compound. He also directed for repairing of the existing solar plant there and construction of an additional toilet block at the compound.On the occasion, locals called on the Minister and apprised him of their concerns. He assured of construction and macadamization of different link roads surrounding Chrar-e-Sharief.Naeem Akhtar also took stock of preparations and facilities for the upcoming Urs at the shrine on the occasion. He instructed for immediate removal of encroachments by shopkeepers on roads to facilitate hassle-free movements of devotees.Commissioner Secretary H&UD, Hridesh Kumar, Commissioner Secretary R&B, Sanjeev Verma, DDC Budgam, Haroon Ahmad Malik, SSP Budgam, Tejindhar Singh, and senior officers from different departments accompanied the Minister during the visit.