SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) to accelerate housing and urban infrastructure projects within the city, emphasizing the need for planned, transparent, and sustainable development to address the growing demands of Srinagar.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Chief Minister, while chairing the 84th meeting of the SDA’s Board of Directors at the Civil Secretariat, reviewed the progress of significant urban development initiatives. These included the proposed Satellite Township at Rakhi Gund Aksha in Bemina, various housing schemes, commercial asset development, and public infrastructure projects.
Abdullah underscored the importance of creating well-designed and livable urban spaces. He stated that future housing projects must incorporate comprehensive civic and social infrastructure, such as schools, parks, playgrounds, shopping facilities, and other essential amenities. The Chief Minister also highlighted the necessity of quality landscaping and aesthetically pleasing surroundings to enhance the city’s overall urban environment.
During the meeting, the Board reviewed the implementation status of decisions made in its prior session. Officials took stock of ongoing development works, the identification of land for public infrastructure projects, administrative reforms, and the engagement of technical personnel by the Authority. A key directive from the Chief Minister was that all projects should be executed within stipulated timelines, adhering strictly to planning norms and safeguarding public interest. He also called for the reinforcement of institutional mechanisms to improve the delivery of civic and urban services.
Discussions also centred on measures to augment the SDA’s institutional capacity. This included the formulation of recruitment rules, initiatives aimed at employee welfare, and improvements in the planning and development processes undertaken by the Authority. The Board further reviewed proposals pertaining to the revision and implementation of the Srinagar Master Plan. This also encompassed the preparation of zonal development plans, the management of commercial assets, the development of public infrastructure, and the Authority’s budget estimates for the upcoming period.
Addressing the city’s pressing housing requirements, Abdullah urged the SDA to prioritize large-scale residential projects. He also stressed the need to improve parking facilities, particularly in the congested areas of Srinagar, to alleviate traffic and accessibility issues. The Board further emphasized the critical importance of planned development in the Batmaloo area. In this regard, the Authority was directed to ensure the Sangarmal Shopping Centre becomes fully operational. Additionally, steps were approved for the development of vacant land parcels surrounding the shopping complex, with a focus on integrating key infrastructure and commercial projects to revitalize the area.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, along with other senior administrative secretaries and officials. The SDA Vice Chairman, Shabir Hussain Bhat, presented the agenda before the Board for deliberation and approval.
The Chenab Times News Desk