CM reviews Jehlum river front development programme

Srinagar, June 15 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad took review of Jehlum river front development programme at a high level meeting here this morning.

The Chief Minister was informed that during last 8 months, work on two kilometre bund stretch from Sonawar to Museum at Lal Mandi in Srinagar city has been taken up and Rs 1.50 crore spent for the purpose so far.

Mr Azad issued instructions that work be speeded up on developing both fronts of Jehlum. ''It has its own historical background'', he noted, adding that it must re-emerge as a piece of beauty in Srinagar city.

He emphasised that importance must be paid to the preservation of the heritage buildings situated on both sides of the river.

The Chief Minister said that Rs six crore would be released immediately to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department for carrying work on development of river fronts expeditiously.

The river front development programme from Sonawar to Deputy Commissioners office, a 3.60 kilometer stretch, would be accomplished at an estimated cost of Rs 25.55 crore.

The project envisages development and beautification of both fronts of river. Developing parks, gardens, walkways and open spaces as an added attraction for the people in the summer capital of the state are the important features of the project.

A power point presentation on various facets of the ambitious project was also made on the occasion by the consultants appointed for the purpose to the Chief Minister, Ministers and senior officers.

UNI