Water bodies should be conserved: Vohra

Srinagar, Nov 16: Stressing the need for effective upgradation of civic amenities here in consonance with the Master Plan, Jammu Kashmir Governor N N Vohra on Sunday, Nov 16 said steps should be taken for implementation of conservation measures for the water bodies, especially the Dal Lake.

Reviewing the development scenario of Srinagar district at a high level meeting, the Governor assured additional funds for various vital projects under the Health, Urban Development, Education and Works sector with a view to ensure the completion of various schemes by March, next year.

The District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Mehraj Ahmed Kakroo, while giving a resume of the development scenario of the District, apprised the Governor about the development. He said out of the total allocation of Rs 34.02 crore an amount of Rs 11.19 crore have been utilised on implementation of various development and centrally sponsored schemes upto end of October, this fiscal.

Mr Vohra was informed that against the present demand of 63 MGD of drinking water, 43.16 MGD were being provided to the people in the district.

He said three new water supply schemes- in Zewan, Shalimar and Chekithana, have been taken up at a cost of Rs 87.16 lakh against which Rs 30.82 lakh stand booked for two schemes.

He said the schemes when completed, would benefit 26500 people in 11 habitations.

Regarding the work on the under-construction bridges, the Governor was informed that Saida Kadal bridge has been completed at a cost of Rs 1.44 crore while its approach road was nearing completion.

Similarly, work on Dalgate bridge was apace at a cost of Rs 11.89 crore and so far, Rs 5.62 crore have been utilised. Besides, work on Rs 12 crore Tangpora- Mujgund bridge was in progress and Rs 7.13 crore have been spent so far.

The Governor directed the District Development Commissioner to come up with a plan for renovation of damaged water-supply pipes from Khawaja Bazar to Nowhatta, to avoid inconvenience to the residents of the area and complete the work by March 2009.

He also instructed the MD, JKPCC to project his demand in respect of additional funds for LD Hospital so that additional block of the hospital was completed within the stipulated time.

The Hospital has 200 more beds and nine operation theatres and the total cost of the project was about Rs 16 crore.

UNI