KL Report
SRINAGAR
Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) is shortly going to commence work on development of a maiden Vertical Housing Colony in Srinagar as a part of its endeavour to provide affordable accommodation and ensure economical use of land resources in the City.
Reviewing the progress of the ambitious project at a joint meeting of SDA and HUDCO officials here Thursday, Vice-Chairman SDA, Shafaat Noor Barlas stressed the need for expediting the venture so that construction work could begin before the onset of winter.
Pertinently, SDA is constructing around 400 2BHK and 3BHK residential flats named Shehjar Apartments near Mini Housing Colony Bemina (opposite Hajj House) for which HUDCO has been engaged as project consultant and financer. SDA has already begun work on construction of around 60 residential flats named Gulposh Apartments near JK Bank Bemina, for which allotment is being made to prospective buyers shortly through draw-of-lots.
As per statement, HUDCO today submitted the preliminary drawings of the Shehjar Project, including the overall layout plan and design of individual blocks and the flats, to SDA.
As per the preliminary drawings, Shehjar Apartments would be spread over around 100 kanals of land with 40 ft wide main road and 36 ft wide internal roads transecting various apartment blocks. The Vertical Colony would be provided with adequate underground and surface parking facility, parks, community hall, children’s play area, tennis court, amphitheatre, health club, community market, food court and other amenities for the residents.
Speaking at the meeting the Vice-Chairman SDA has said that given the scarce land resources the sky-rocketing land prices in Srinagar, time has come for SDA to introduce the concept of flatted accommodation in and around the city. He said SDA should take the lead in promoting the culture of Vertical Housing Colonies in the city and accordingly the provision should be kept for going up to 70 ft vertical instead of the existing 55 ft. He said the norms for high-rises in Srinagar city are being revised in the new Master Plan.
He, however, has asked the HUDCO authorities to ensure the structures are earthquake resistant and also keep provision for Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and Solar Energy for the Shehjar Apartments.
The Vice-Chairman said that the Hon’ble Minister for Urban Development & Urban Local Bodies, Nawang Rigzin Jora is very keen to see the Shehjar Project taking off at the earliest. He said that immediately after HUDCO returns with the revised drawings, the foundation stone of the project would be laid so that the work could commence at the earliest.
