Srinagar, Sept 5: Due to slow pace of work on Jhelum beautification, the prestigious project has missed another deadline and chances of its completion in near future are bleak. The beautification of the Sonawar- Gaw Kadal stretch of the river snaking through the heart of the City was slated to be completed in March this year. But six months on, it’s still incomplete.

THE ‘LAZINESS’
 While major portion of Sonawar-Amira Kadal bridge has been completed, the work ahead is on but at “snail’s pace” as the Jhelum banks ahead of Budshah Bridge towards Habba Kadal continue to be in a shabby condition. 
 This simply means that while driving down the City centre bridge the beautification is visible but only towards one of the sides.
 “Even after six years, since the inception of beautification project it is yet to reach the destiny,” said Muzaffar Ahmad of Tankipora.

THE PROJECT
 The project started in August 2005 envisaged developing the 3.6 kilometre-long riverbank between Sonawar to Tankipora at an investment of 25.55 crore rupees. The project was slated to be completed in three years.
 Initially, as a part of beautification drive, major encroachments from Sonawar to Budshah Bridge were removed.
 “After beautifying the river from Zero Bridge to Budshah Bridge, it seems government is in no mood to speed up the work and get rid of numerous illegal encroachments,” said an observer.
 Given this scenario, restoration of the pristine glory of Jhelum which started in Mufti Muhammad Syed’s regime has become a dream unrealized.

OFFICIALS SPEAK
 When contacted the officials of Irrigation and Flood Control Department  IFCD said the deadline of the project has been extended because of “hindrances which have come in its way”.
 “We have covered the entire proposed area for beautification but at few places the removal of encroachments from the banks has created a major hindrance in the overall revival of the project,” said Chief Engineer, IFCD.
 “Rehabilitation of the bank dwellers has delayed the work as government is looking for land for their alternate accommodation,” he added.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 5 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 5 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 6 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST