Jammu and Kashmir government has taken up the project for beautification of river Jhelum embankments in the summer capital of Srinagar, under smart city project.
An official said the project is being executed by irrigation and flood control authorities for which the funds have been released under Smart City Mission.
Under the project, Jhelum embankments from Zero Bridge up to Veer will be given facelift. The beautification process includes reshaping of revetments, development and renovation of public parks situated at river bund, renovation of ghats and removing of silt from bunds.
Under the plan, parks near LD hospital, Aaramwari, GPO and other places, alongside river bank, would be renovated while a new park will be developed at Gassi Mohalla.
The official said Jogger’s path will be constructed from Abdullah Bridge to LD Hospital on left side of river while another jogger’s path will be developed from Abdullah Bridge to Peerzo on right side of the river. Installation of lights at both side of river is also part of its beautification plan.
Presently, sixteen projects are under execution under the Mission. “All these works have been allotted to contractors after completion of all codal formalities. The remaining works will be started once the codal formalities are also completed,” said the official.
Secretary flood control and irrigation department Farooq Ahmad Shah said he has issued strict directions to the officials to not allot or start any work without completion of formalities.
The CEO Smart City Mission has already approved other works which include installation of bio-toilets at major nodes, running of electric buses and setting up of smart bus stations, construction of parking spaces, installation of real-time drinking water quality, conservation of existing shrines and temples, upgrading of historical markets and facade restoration of heritage buildings.
Earlier, Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam had asked the administration to focus on restoration of Dal Lake and Jhelum River, adding sustainable development of Srinagar has to be based on restoration of these important water bodies.
Secretary Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has also assured J&K government that there was no dearth of funds with government of India for speedy implementation of Smart City Mission in twin capitals of J&K.