"The focus is on creating better drainage and sewerage systems besides improving and expanding road communication network in Jammu and Srinagar," Abdullah said after inaugurating the Rs 69.5 crore Rawalpora-Tengpora Storm Water Drainage Scheme here.
He said schemes for construction of flyovers and setting up of sewerage treatment plants were being implemented in the twin cities, while widening of roads, management of transport, creation of parking lots and other facilities to cater to modern urban needs were being addressed on scientific lines.
The chief minister said the return of peaceful situation in the state had helped to upgrade pace of development works and reach out to every area in the process of progress.
He said more than 11 lakh tourists visited here and helped in generation of wide-ranging economic activities.
Abdullah said the drainage scheme executed by Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) was one of the major drainage packages to be completed under the urban component of ongoing multi-sector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation funded by Asian Development Bank.
The scheme involved construction of 23.5 km of storm water drainage network spread over 3.50 sq km and consisting of 18.60 km of sub-main drain, 3.26 km of trunk drain, 1.6 km of Main drain and pumping station near Tengpora bridge having discharge capacity of 68 cusecs during storm conditions.
The drainage would provide relief from frequent flooding to the residents during winters and rainy seasons.
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The project would directly benefit about 29,000 people living on both sides of National Highway bypass from Rawalpora Chowk to Tengpora bridge which includes many residential areas of the city.
The work on two other drainage projects, namely Pohru Chowk-Chanapora bridge and Bemina Fruit Mandi, was also in progress and likely to be completed soon.