SRINAGAR: Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development, Asiea Naqash today said that the Government is mulling to start bicycle sharing service around the Dal Lake and its adjacent areas for tourists.

While reviewing the functioning of LAWDA, the Minister said that while enjoying the bicycle ride around the Dal Lake, tourists will also explore its adjoining areas like Burzahama heritage site which is an oldest archeological site in northern India, Gussu village which is known as the “strawberry bowl of Srinagar”, Dachigam Wild Life Sanctuary, Denehama, Teilbal, Mulfaq and other areas. She said it will help to bring these areas on the tourism map and will help in generating employment avenues for the locals there.   

Asiea directed VC LAWDA to identify the locations around the Dal Lake so that pre-fabricated stands will be installed soon for the eco-friendly service.

LAWDA informed the Minister that the de-weeding process is in full swing with 1100 men working in double shifts at 132 locations in the Dal Lake.

Asiea directed LAWDA to provide plots to the residents of Sheikh Mohalla on the priority basis at Rakh-i-ArthBemina so that they will start building their homes there.

She also asked LAWDA to conduct a joint survey to identify the suitable place for a fish market at Fishermen Colony and women vegetable market at Shalimar area so that the locals will sell their products without any kind of difficulty.   

The Minister also reviewed the tendering process of dredging on Teilbalnallah, Batkul, Wanihama and NarbalBatipora and directed the authorities to start the work of dredging immediately in these areas during the present dry spell.

VC, Collector, Engineers of LAWDA and other concerned officers were present at the meeting.

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