Round the clock monitoring of Dal revival gets highest priority of Govt: Tara Chand

*Directs executing agencies to ensure transparent expenditure of Rs.356crores released by centre

*Expresses gratitude to PM,Sonia Gandhi for their personal interest in revival of lake

SRINAGAR, DEC 8: Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Tara Chand today reiterated the Government’s resolve to restore the glory of Dal-Lake by effectively implementing the ambitious conservation and rehabilitation plan.

During his thorough inspection visit to the world famous lake, this afternoon, Mr. Tara Chand said the Centre is liberally funding this prestigious project. He urged the executing agencies to put in extra efforts and speed up the work on this project

“The priority accorded to the Dal Conservation Project by the State Government and the Centre is reflected by the fact that during his recent visit to the valley, Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh un-equivocally enumerated its significance”, the Deputy Chief Minister said, adding that even the UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi has been evincing very keen interest in restoring glory to this lake, which is a major attraction for the nature lovers world-over. He said that the Centre has released a whooping fund of Rs 356 crore for the rehabilitation of Dal-dwellers.

As per the present estimates, there are about 11,000 families comprising of about 60,000 souls settled inside the lake who have proprietary rights over the land and structures there. The Deputy Chief Minister said, a major chunk of land has been identified at Rakh-i-Arth, about 8 kms from Srinagar city to rehabilitate the Dal-dwellers. He said the work is in progress to develop a modern housing colony in Rakh-i-Arth, where 500 plots would be allotted in the first phase.

The Deputy Chief Minister said, apart from rehabilitation component of Dal-dwellers, an integrated project at a cost of Rs 298 crore is underway for conservation of the water-body which includes sewerage treatment works, solid waste-management, catchment management plan, restoration of development works and public awareness. Of Rs 160.42 crore, about 142 crore have been spent till October this year on execution of these works so far.

While expressing his dismay over slow pace of work on the Dal Conservation Project, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to speed up the work on the Dal with regard to cleaning and setting up of STPs and procuring machinery. He instructed the LAWDA authorities to engage 800 skilled labourers for cleaning the lake from weeds manually adding that various un-cleaned patches should be taken up urgently the report submitted to him within a week. At foreshore road, Mr. Tara Chand directed the Vice Chairman LAWDA to complete the retaining wall and other works within 15 days and also clear the area from Polythene bags within two days.

He warned that any laxity in implementing the, directions and guidelines for preservation and conservation of Dal Lake will not be tolerated.

Later, interacting with the electronic media, the Deputy Chief Minister said that government has already identified 7500 kannals of land for rehabilitation of Dal dwellers and government would negotiate with these people so that they are rehabilitated comfortably. He said 500 plots have been carved out and are ready, adding that all the basic amenities will be made available to the Dal dwellers in this colony. He said that strict action will be taken against violation of master plan of Srinagar City. He cautioned concerned officers to be vigilant against the menace of illegal constructions and violation of guidelines in the implementation of Dal Conservation plan.

Earlier, various deputations met the Deputy Chief Minister at his residence including Save Dal Organization. Another deputation met the Minister and apprised of various requirements during Muharram days. The Deputy Chief Minister asked the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar to ensure all possible facilities during these days.

Mr. Tara Chand appealed the people to extend their full cooperation to the government in restoring the Dal and other water bodies which are famous places of tourists attraction.

The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Vice Chairman SDA, Mr. Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, Vice Chairman LAWDA, Mr. Irfan Yaseen, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mr. Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo, Additional Commissioner, Kashmir, Ishtiyaq Ahmad Ashai and engineers of various disciplines.