Fast pace environmental conservation projects: Advisor Sharma

Srinagar: The Advisor to Governor K K Sharma Monday directed the officers to ensure that the ecological concerns in consonance with the local landscape and environment are taken into consideration while undertaking conservation of environment and water bodies maintaining that these should be fast paced.
The Advisor was reviewing the progress of work on the Abatement of Pollution in Banganga & Tawi Rivers Project.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, H&UDD Dheeraj Gupta, Director Planning, H&UDD Ishfaq Packhiwal , Chief Engineer UEED,Satinder rana and other senior officers.
While referring to the importance of the project, the Advisor said the Project has a pivotal importance with regard to the conservation of the rivers Ban Ganga and Tawi. He said that it becomes important that the project is undertaken in a systematic and scientific manner while keeping in view the local ecology and also the heritage and cultural value associated with these historic rivers.
The project should be implemented in consonance with the local ecological and environmental concerns, the Advisor said.
Sharma also directed the concerned to involve other stakeholder departments like Forests, Soil Conservation, and Irrigation & Flood Control in the implementation of the program. He said that the executing agency should also undertake convergence of other schemes in order to make the project viable and holistic.
The Rs 98.70 crore project meant to check the pollution abatement of River Ban Ganga and Tawi at Katra Town would be providing a total Sewerage network (RCC Pipe) to about 57.19 Km, having about 3619 Manhole (RCC & Brick) covers, providing 4045 house connecting chambers, 2023 property chambers and having 07 of Intermediate Pumping Stations (IPS).
Besides, it would have a non-sewerage component involving development of Bathing Ghats, Shamshan Ghats, Green Areas and Mini Parks at different locations en-route the main flowing pattern of the River Ban Ganga and it is tributaries finally culminating in Tawi River.
Meanwhile, several deputations also called on the Advisor and apprised him with the problems and grievances in their respective areas.
A deputation of Bhardewah led by Ravinder Kotwal called on the Advisor and projected several issues related to PDD, R&B, PHE and Urban Local Bodies. The Advisor assured that their genuine demands would be addressed at an earliest.
Former Minister and MLA Vikar Rasool Wani also called on the Advisor and apprised him with various issues regarding his constituency.
The issues projected included the much needed road projects of Banihal constituency, funds for Heewagan Bohardar up-to Chamalwas as by pass road under CRF, compensation of Bankoot Gujjarnar and Chapnari Gudar road, Kharpora Rattanbas road, Buzla road, Shiekhpora Nagam road, Digdol Radoog road.
He also strongly raised the concern over the delay in completion of Ramban Banihal NHW, besides Banihal by pass stretch.
The Advisor assured the MLA that all his genuine demands would be addressed at an earliest.
Later, former legislators Ashraf Mir and Noor Mohammed Sheikh also called on the Advisor and apprised him with the problems faced by the people in their respective areas.
Among the issues projected included drainage project at Panthachowk, inclusion of Panthachowk area in Smart City project, delay in Vyethpora bridge at Pandrethan, augmentation of Tangnar Water scheme and other issues of the Srinagar City.
A deputation of Municipal Counsellors also called on the Advisor and briefed him with various issues including need for providing them the security, earmark funds for them to carry out the developmental works in their municipal areas.
The Advisor assured them that their genuine demands would be looked into.