Omar monitors massive macadamization drive in Shahr-e-Khas

Stresses fast-track improvement of 327-km of Srinagar roads

Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah Sunday had an extensive tour of Shahr-e-Khas and upper parts to take firsthand appraisal of road conditions and pace of work on schemes under implementation. He visited Nawpora, Khayam Chowk, Khanyar, Rainawari, Miskeenbagh, Jogi Lanker, Kathi Darwaza, Saida Kadal, Ashai Bagh, Hazratbal, Saderbal, Nishat, Foreshow road, Amirakadal, Radio Kashmir Chowk, Lal Mandi, Gogjibagh, Rambagh, Channapora, Hyderpora Crossing, By-pass and other areas.

Stressing on fast-track improvement of city roads, the Chief Minister ordered macadamization of 327-km of city roads in the city. He asked R&B Department to complete the task by August 31 this year in all respects. “Targets should be achieved within the stipulated timeframe and as per specifications,” he directed. Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr. Devender Singh Rana, MLA, Hazratbal, Dr. Mustafa Kamal, MLA, Amirakadal, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Commissioner/Secretary, R&B, Mr. Mehboob Iqbal, Commissioner, SMC, Kh. Farooq Ahmad Renzu, Chief Engineer, R&B, Kashmir, Mir Mohammad Shafi, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Mehraj-ud-Din Kakroo, besides team of engineers were accompanying the Chief Minister during his tour. Interacting with the people at various places, Mr. Abdullah said integrated development of both Srinagar and Jammu cities has been flagged as priority and the departments concerning public service have been asked to put schemes on fast-track. He said various important drainage and sewerage schemes were under implementation in the city. He said ERA, LAWDA and other executing agencies have been asked to speed up works in close coordination with each other. The Chief Minister said his government is committed to up-grade and improve basic amenities in the twin capitals of the State, besides working for beautification of the two cities. “Srinagar and Jammu are the two faces of the State and these should receive proper attention for comprehensive and integrated development”, he maintained. Welcoming the Chief Minister in their areas and appreciating his personal interest in solving public problems, people brought to his notice various demands pertaining to improvement of roads, construction of drainages and other public utility matters. Mr. Abdullah gave on-spot directions for redressal of various grievances of urgent nature to the officers concerned. The Chief Minister, while inspecting up-gradation of National Highway By-pass from Athwajan to Parimpora, was informed that under Rs. 68-crore Bridge Construction Programme, four bridges and one flyover are being constructed in this sector, while as another Rs. 68 crore were being spent on widening and upgrading National Highway. He asked executing agency, R&B, to ensure completion of the project within the stipulated timeframe. Chief Engineer, R&B, informed that macadamization 327-km road length of Srinagar would cost about Rs. 60 crore. He said under the instructions of the Chief Minister, various road improvement projects have been accelerated.