Minister for Information Technology, Technical Education, Youth Services and Sports Imran Raza Ansari today directed the officers to start pre-execution work on the proposed sites for the development of water sports in the state.The Minister said this while chairing a meeting to review the development of water sports infrastructure under PMDP in the state. It was informed in the meeting that the development of water sports infrastructure is an approved component under PMDP at the cost of Rs. 6 crore and the pre-execution work is under progress.It was further informed that J&K State Sports Council has identified sites at Nehru Park (Dal Lake), Srinagar and Ranjit Sagar Dam for development of water sports infrastructure and has furnished the DPR at an estimated cost of Rs. 3 crore for each site. “However, both the sites are feasible for development of water sports centre where training and competitions of different events like kayaking and canoeing, canoe polo, dragon boat and rowing etc. will be held,” the officers informed.
The Minister was informed that the developmental project is being executed under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India and Union Secretary (Sports), GoI has directed to identify feasible locations and preparation of a DPR for the same.During the meeting, the Minister directed officers to upgrade the present water sports center at Dal Lake near Nehru Park for conducting training courses and water sport events.The officers informed that main components of the DPR will include office block, food court, conference hall, change rooms and procurement of different water sports equipments while the procurement of land from Housing and Urban development is in process for the purpose.The meeting was also attended by Secretary YSS, Hilal Ahmad Parray, Secretary Tourism, VC LAWDA, Additional Secretary Housing and Urban Development and officers from Sports Council.