 Early Times Report
srinagar, Apr 27: In one of the most marathon tours undertaken so far, the Chief Minister (CM) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, today criss-crossed the Srinagar city to make on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing work on tourism, pilgrimage and developmental projects in the summer capital.
Despite heavy downpour, the Chief Minister visited the historic Jama Masjid at Nowhatta, Asar-i-Sharief Hazratbal, Khanqah-e-Moula Zainakadal, Nehru Park, Char Chinari and Sona Lank in Dal lake, Badam Wari in the walled city, Idgah, Kashmir Haat, Indoor Stadium, Sangarmal, Kashmir Golf Club, Estate Quarters at Pampore, Pantha Chowk as well as Amar Singh Club.
While visiting the Jama Masjid Complex at Nowhatta, Mufti Sayeed went inside and around the sacred premises. He issued instructions for underground cabling of the electric wires and improving the facilities at Wazu Khana.
Presently, the wires are cluttered shabbily on the electric poles which are affecting the ambience. He also asked the Chief Engineer, PDD, to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the historic Mosque.
The Chief Minister issued directions to Commissioner SMC to identify land for construction of a Community-cum-Marriage Hall to facilitate the people residing in the areas adjoining the Jama Masjid.
Earlier, Mufti Sayeed paid obeisance at the holy Asar-i-Sharief Shrine at Hazrtabal. He also reviewed the beautification project of the shrine precincts, which includes marble cladding of the minaret, being done at cost of Rs 3.60 crore.
During his visit to Khanqah-e-Moula at Zainakadal, the Chief Minister issued directions to Chief Engineer, R&B to prepare a detailed plan for construction of a footbridge from Khanqah-e-Moula to Pather Masjid to facilitate the pilgrims and residents living in the nearby areas. He also asked Director Tourism to improve the facilities under pilgrim tourism at the holy shrine.
While undertaking extensive tour of the Dal Lake, the Chief Minister visited Char Chinari and Sona Lank islands. He asked Director Tourism to make arrangements for starting cultural evenings and Dunga cruises for providing entertainment to heritage tourists.
Mufti Sayeed issued directions to VC LAWDA to complete the acquisition process for setting into motion the realignment of houseboats so that these are connected to a common sewerage treatment plant.
The Chief Minister inspected the present status of work on J&K ERA-executed Jahangir Chowk-Ram Bagh Flyover during which he was briefed about the alignment of Elevated Expressway Corridor of the project.
While reviewing the four-lanning of Boulevard-Kralsangri Road, at Nehru Park, Mufti Sayeed was informed that the project envisages a total cost of Rs. 33.43 crore which shall be undertaken under CRF. The project envisages acquisition of land which shall be State's equity in the Central project.
At Pantha Chowk, the Chief Engineer, R&B, also briefed the Chief Minister about the present status of 2.80 km long Pantha Chowk-Zewan four-lanning / widening project, being taken up at a cost of Rs. 25.75 crore, comprising Rs. 17.71 crore acquisition cost and Rs. 8.04 crore development cost.
Mufti Sayeed also visited the multi-level commercial-cum-parking complex being established at Sheikh Bagh as well as parking slot at Old State Motor Garages premises.
Later, the Chief Minister visited Pampore to review the ongoing work on Staff Quarters being constructed by J&K Estates Department. Director Estates, Dr. G. N. Itoo, informed the Chief Minister that 400 flats are being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 90.65 crore.
Minister for Public Works, Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Syed Altaf Bukhari, Minister of State for H&UDD and I&C, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, MLC, Khursheed Alam, VC Wakaf Board, Peer Mohammad Hussain, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B B Vyas, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Gazzanfar Hussain besides several other senior officers accompanied the Chief Minister. |
