Mehbooba tours Srinagar city, inaugurates key projects

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today conducted a whirlwind tour of the summer capital Srinagar, inaugurating several public utilities and also laid the foundation of many developmental projects.
En route, the Chief Minister met several deputations who apprised her of their day-to-day problems and sought their redressal, an official spokesman said.
The Chief Minister inaugurated two steel-decked bridges at Skiul Doub and Chandpora in Harwan area. She also visited the Harwan dam and took a briefing on the beautification project under execution there.
Mehbooba was informed that the Rs nine crore project envisages augmenting the water supply at the dam, construction of a cycle track and hutments to boost tourism in the area, the spokesman said.

So far around Rs 4.5 crore have been expended on the project and desilting process is also underway, he said, adding the Chief Minister went round the area and directed developing the local stream areas which can become attractions for the visiting tourists.
On way, the Chief Minister visited the Imambarah at Bagh- i-Zainab at Shalimar and took stock of the works going on there.

At Zakura, Mehbooba laid the foundation of Mini Maternity Centre with a bed capacity of 75, including 24 beds for neonats.
To be built at a cost of Rs 12.83 crore, the project is expected to be completed by the end of next year giving the people of the area much needed relief, the spokesman said.

Mehbooba also visited the JLNM Hospital, Rainawari in downtown city where she laid the foundation of an additional block which would add 100 more beds to the hospital capacity.
To be built at a cost of Rs 19.29 crore, the additional block is expected to be ready by December next year, he said.
Later, Mehbooba visited Baba Demb where she inspected the progress on Brari Nambal Revival project under execution at a cost of Rs 16.91 crore.
She was informed that after the desilting, flow has been generated in the waters which would restore the acquatic life in the water body, thereby making it a tourist attraction, the spokesman said.

He said Mehbooba was also informed that a park is being proposed to be developed on an adjacent piece of land and another stretch of land would also be acquired for making the entire spot a tourist attraction.
On the occasion, a deputation of local residents also met the Chief Minister and demanded continuation of conservation works without a break.
She asked the Minister for Education to monitor the pace of the project and report back to her, the spokesman said.
Mehbooba also visited Shariefabad where she laid the foundation of 180-metre span bridge over flood spill channel.
To be constructed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Rs 20 crore bridge would be completed next year, the spokesman said.

The Chief Minister also reviewed on spot the progress on the Jhelum dredging on Padshahi Bagh-Wullar section of river Jhelum.
She was informed that substantial amount of work has been executed on the Rs 400 crore project by various agencies, which includes land acquisitions, cutting down of trees in flood basins and it is expected to be completed by early next year, he said.
At Bemina, Mehbooba took a briefing on widening of road from Tatoo Ground to Bemina Bye Pass.
She also reviewed the rehabilitation of dwellers of Jhelum, Dal and other spots at Rakh i Gund Aksha, the spokesman said, adding Mehbooba directed raising of vertical accommodation for members of weaker sections there.

The Chief Minister directed development of a park on the 1.5 km-long stretch along the National Highway at Bemina bye pass.
Later, Mehbooba visited the Rambagh flyover and reviewed the progress of the project on spot.
She directed the project authorities to complete the project by September this year for which she asked them to redouble their efforts, the spokesman said.