Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Asiea Naqash today informed Legislative Assembly that a project proposal involving a cost of Rs 6.50 crore for the development of Bandipora Bus stand is currently under scrutiny of the government.Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Legislator, Usman Majid in the House, the Minister said 33-Kanal land has been acquired at Nassu Bandipora for the development of new Bus stand, while Rs 25 Lakh was released during 2016-17 as additionality under capex-budget, which has be utilized in full for construction of edge wall for the approach road to the new site.She said presently the public transport service is operating from the old Bus stand site near Nishat Park Nassu.She said earlier 47 Kanal area was acquired adjacent to Nishat Park in the year 2005 which was later utilized for the construction of district Hospital as per a decision 2010 District Development Board meeting.
“Equivalent quantum of land was to be acquired as per the DDB decision while Rs 4 crore was to be provided by the Director, Health Services” she said. She said according to the DDB decision provision of Rs 1 crore for development of Bus Stand was kept, that shall be considered after the land is acquired. She said it was also decided that the DHSK should revisit the proposal for recouping and funding in consultation with the Planning Department and Monitoring Department.She said though the funds were placed at the disposal of DDC Bandipora, however only 33 Kanal of land could be acquired near the earlier site.The Minister said the Health Services Department Kashmir is yet to release Rs 1 crore in lieu of the works already executed at the old site, though the matter was taken up with the DDC Bandipora. She said the compensation of remaining 13 Kanal land has also not been released so far.