Srinagar
Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu approved alignment construction of 3.2 kilometers western foreshore road along Dal Lake on Monday.
The alignment plan prepared by the Lakes & Waterways Development Authority(LAWDA) for the restoration, beautification and for delineating physical boundary on the western front of Dal was approved by the LG during a review meeting of the functioning of LAWDA today.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyan, Principal Secretary Housing & Urban Development, Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, DC Srinagar, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Chowdary, VC LAWDA, GM Dar and senior officers from PCB, R&B, UEED, and other concerned departments.
Stressing on completion of demarcation work on 3.2 western foreshore road by December-31, Lieutenant Governor said that the project will change face of Dal and will not only serve as the physical boundary of the lake but also will be an added attraction to the tourists. He said that various recreational spots including eating points, sitting places and small local markets under PPP mode would also be set up alongside the road.
He said that the road coming up between Mumta Hotel to Saida Kadal stretch shall also prevent further encroachments of the lake. He said it should come up in line with the master plan with proper rehabilitation of local dwellers.
Lt Governor stressed concerned to come up with a proper plan for the rehabilitation of 4498 families which are likely to get affected with the road construction. He said that affected families should be ideally relocated and rehabilitated at separate Dal Dweller colonies with all basic amenities to be provided to them.
Lt Governor directed concerned to identify three more places for the relocation of houseboats where proper bio-digester system is in place to curb pollution in the Dal Lake.
Emphasizing on proper planning on solid waste and liquid waste management, the Lt. Governor stressed on concerned to ensure progress on STP networking system. He asked concerned to speed up dredging and de-weeding work and ensure strict enforcement against the encroachments.
Issues related to compensation, siltation work, procurement of machinery, clogging of nallas etc were discussed threadbare during the meeting.
Earlier, Principal Secretary, Dheeraj Gupta presented a detailed report on Dal, its conservation, restoration and rejuvenation through a powerpoint presentation.
