SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu Thursday called for perspective planning and integrated development of Srinagar city during a high level meeting he chaired here at SKICC Srinagar.
He also called for coordinated measures to complete projects within stipulated timelines.
The Lt Governor, while reviewing Smart City projects, asked for time-bound completion of recently initiated projects covering beautification, efficient service delivery and citizen services which include modernization of 10 revenue offices, construction of cycle tracks and pedestrian pathways, fire safety systems in city, EOC, Jhelum beautification, conservation of shrines, heritage network, smart hospitals, smart lighting, digitization of revenue records, improved road network, intelligent traffic lighting system. Complimenting the smart schools initiative, he asked for covering at least 50 more schools in rural areas and downtown. He also asked HUDD to authorize for SPV of Smart City for coming up with Smart Bus Stops under PPP.
While reviewing the drainage and sewerage sector, the Lt Governor emphasised for laying special focus on areas around Dal lake and other water bodies in the city. He was informed that against 170MLD sewerage generation, the installed capacity is 53MLD which is being augmented to 113 MLD in July 2020 and more than 120MLD by November 2020. The Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar informed that bottlenecks involved in sewerage project being executed by NBCC have been resolved and work has been fast- paced to be completed later this year.
He directed for robust waste segregation mechanism and garbage collection. For disposal of waste, he called for converting the waste into energy on scientific lines, on which, the Principal Secretary, H&UDD informed the chair that the department has already initiated the process and would develop the capacity to convert 100 Percent waste into energy. He also directed for comprehensive measures and steps for revamping Srinagar Municipal Corporation not only for sanitation but various services and infrastructure development for citizen convenience. He further asked the department for measures to strengthen SMC.
The Lt Governor directed for taking host of measures for revamping public transport system in a time-bound manner which will include smart bus stops, electric buses, charging stations, e-rickshaws and replacement of old buses. The Lt Governor was also informed that LED panels and digital advertisements boards are being installed to replace conventional hoardings in city and way-finding signage would be installed across the city in a time-bound manner for convenience of commuters, citizens and tourists under Smart City.
The Lt Governor further called for removal of encroachments from the city markets, public places and roads on priority, with concerted efforts from district administration, SMC and police, adding that retrieved lands should be safeguarded and utilized for beautification and public purpose. Traffic police was asked to formulate the plan

KR Desk