Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 11: To ensure integrated, planned and judicious development of Srinagar, the Board of Directors of the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA)under the chairmanship of Minister for Urban Development and Local Bodies, Nawang Rigzin Jora today approved extension of Greater Srinagar local area from the existing 417 kms to 757 kms.
The Board meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department, Jeet Lal Gupta, Vice-Chairman SDA, Mohammad Shafi Rather, Director General Accounts and Treasuries, RK Mangotra, Chief Town Planner Kashmir, Hakeem Iftikhar, Chief Architect J&K, KC Pant, Joint Director Planning, PS Kakroo, Deputy Director Planning, Rajeev Bushan, and Joint Commissioner SMC, Mushtaq Ahmad.
With the Srinagar Master Plan (2001-2021) currently under review, SDA has proposed extension of the existing city limits towards South, West and Northern directions along the new motorway coming up from Gallandar via Narbal upto Ganderbal.
As per the new Master Plan, the boundaries of Greater Srinagar would encompass Dara-Fakri and Dachigam National Park on Northeast, Zabarwan hills from Khunmoh towards Khrew on the East, Kakapora Railway Station on Southeast, Budgam local area upto Gallandar on South, Mazhama Railway station & road towards Gulmarg on the Southwest and Buran, Ganepur in Pattan towards the West.
The Minister, asked SDA to earmark dedicated areas in the Master Plan for institutional activities like education, healthcare, recreation, tourism and traditional works including handicrafts. He also stressed the need for conservation of water bodies, forest areas, saffron and agriculture land in and around Srinagar.
He asked SDA authorities to make maximum use of time and resources to create a tangible impact on the infrastructure scenario of Srinagar.
The Board also approved engagement of a consulting firm by SDA for the preparation of City Development Plan (CDP) which is a collective vision document aimed at improving urban facilities, increasing investment to expand employment and services, formulation of perceptible plan of action for systematic and sustained reduction of urban poverty and focus on urban reforms.
The Board also approved construction of four-storeyed commercial complex by SDA at Sanatnagar Chowk. The complex would be provided with basement parking facility, shops and office spaces. It would come up at a cost of around Rs 10 crore and is to be completed within three years.
In another decision the Board also approved extension of premium payment period for shops and commercial spaces at Sangarmaal City Centre from existing one year to three years.
The Board also approved construction of shopline at Bemina, opposite SKIMS Medical College and SDA Guest House at Bemina for housing touring officials from outside the State.
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