District Development Commissioner Budgam, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar on Friday chaired a meeting of officers to take stock of the ongoing beautification work of surrounding area of shrine of Sheikh Noor ud din Noorani (r.a) and grand mosque Khankha of Char-i-Sharief in Budgam.Among others, ADDC Khurshid Ahmad Sanai, ADC Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Nadeem Qadri Environmental Lawyer and Amicus Curiae J&K High Court, SDM Chadoora, DD Tourism, senior officers from Forest, Floriculture, Revenue and other line departments also attended the meeting. On the occasion, the DDC stressed on the implementation of complete ban on polythene to save the surroundings of the Shrine from any environmental degradation.In this regard the concerned were directed to display anti-polythene use banners at the main entry gate of the shrine to warn visitors against using polythene in the area. She directed that the strict action should be taken against offenders for violation of the law.The Floriculture officers were directed to expedite beautification work of the lawns and park of the shrine. The DDC emphasized on the tourism department to take strenuous efforts for the promotion of the Char-i-Sharief as pilgrimage tourist destination.
The DDC urged the Waqf authorities to ensure the completion of the shopping complex at the earliest for the rehabilitation of the affected shopkeepers and vendors.She directed the concerned to remove all the illegal encroachments around the shrine and ensure better parking space for vehicle for the visiting devotees.Meanwhile, the JKPCC authorities informed the meeting that out of an estimated cost of Rs 38 crore, an amount of Rs 30 crore has been spent on the construction of the Khankha so far.The DDC also directed the forest department to ensure plantation of saplings at various spots for sustaining better ecology and beautification of the shrine. She further directed the concerned to ensure completion of drainage work and alternate lavatory blocks at the earliest to ensure maximum hassle-free services to the devotees.