Stresses on beautification, community involvement

Visits Hazratbal shrine

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 06: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu today called for comprehensive and scientific planning for preservation of Dal Lake and directed the officers to take concrete steps for beautification and conservation of the lake.

The Lt Governor made these directions while inspecting various sites along the banks of Dal Lake. He was accompanied by Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan; Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam; Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Dheeraj Gupta; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmed Khan; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; Vice Chairman SDA, Vikas Kundal and Vice Chairman LAWDA, Tufail Matto and other senior officers.

The Lt Governor observed that notifying the Dal and other lakes and wetlands as eco-sensitive zones would provide more authority to the law enforcement agencies to act against violators and take steps for conservation of lake and catchment area. He stressed for greater community participation and ownership in lake conservation. He also called for safeguarding the landmass and area of other wetlands in the city.

Regarding the proposed construction of western foreshore road, the officers informed the Lt Governor that it would not only allow smooth movement of traffic around the Dal Lake, but would also facilitate physical delineation of the lake boundary on the western shore on the pattern of Northern Foreshore road. Further, it will prevent any kind of encroachments in Saidakadal, Rainawari, Khanyaar, Nowpora and Hazratbal areas.

The Lt Governor sought details about the alignment of the road and about the proposed acquisition of land on both sides of the road. He also sought details about the functioning of the Sewerage Treatment Plants at Lam, Habbak, Brarinambal, Hazratbal and Nallah Amir Khan.

During the tour, the Lt Governor directed the officers to develop the vacant spaces around the Dal lake as recreational spots, eating points and beautification with proper planning. Regarding the beautification of Dal banks, he directed for completion of installation of lighting system and ensure its functioning before start of the tourism season. He also inspected the Dal-side pedestrian pathway being constructed under smart city and heritage lighting, and asked for installation of modern street furniture for visitors and also construction of footpath on other side in similar pattern. He also called for development of available open spaces.

Later, the Lt Governor visited Hazratbal shrine and directed the officers to pace up the ongoing beautification project of the revered shrine.