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Srinagar, Sep 4 (UNI) Praying for peace and tranquility in Jammu and Kashmir, Governor N N Vohra today paid obeisance at the holy Hazratbal shrine, which houses the holy relic of Prophet Mohammad.

The Governor took a round of the premises on the bank of the Dal Lake and reviewed the pace of the expansion and beautification programme.

During his round of the magnificent lush green lawns, Chief Executive, Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Syed Ahmed Syed, informed the Governor that the first phase of the development and expansion programme has been completed at a cost of Rs 2.20 crore by the State Tourism Department.

The second phase is estimated to cost Rs 5 crore.

The Governor was also apprised that about 81 structures in the shrine periphery have been acquired and some of them have since been demolished, to expand the shrine area.

This would add another 13 kanals of land to the existing 260-kanal shrine premises and enable the management to further enhance the aesthetic grandeur of the Aasar-e-Sharief.

The 65-kanal Glass Bagh has been turfed and developed and the 52 kanal western side premises have also been fully developed.

Mr Vohra assured that the required funds would be made available for the second phase of the development project.

He described the shrine as unique in the world for its scenic surroundings and space for two lakh devotees to offer prayers.

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