Srinagar, Nov 4 (PTI) Road widening, removal of trees, shifting of electrical utilities and houseboats, and disposal of treated wastewater were among the key bottlenecks reviewed by Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg on Wednesday to expedite the Jhelum Water Transport Project.
The meeting was convened to assess the issue affecting the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) project and ensure coordinated efforts among the concerned departments for its smooth execution and timely progress, an official spokesperson said.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Bandipora, Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, representatives of IWAI, and officers from the Public Health Engineering (PHE), Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC), Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) and other concerned departments.
Garg reviewed several critical issues requiring inter-departmental coordination and timely intervention, including road widening and removal of trees at Gund Parang, disposal of treated wastewater, and installation of electricity connections and provision of water supply at eight identified locations to facilitate the development of essential infrastructure for water transport operations.
He also reviewed the status of shifting electrical utilities at Maharaj Gunj and Pantha Chowk, stressing the need to expedite the process to prevent further delays in project execution.
The development and improvement of approach roads at Sumbal and Sangam, removal of barricading at Amira Kadal, and shifting of houseboats wherever required to facilitate the smooth movement and operation of water transport facilities along the river were also discussed.
Other issues taken up during the meeting included renovation of the Chattabal Navigational Lock and relocation of stone-chiselling units and dress vendors operating at Pantha Chowk to ensure that these activities do not impede the project's progress.
Taking stock of the progress made so far, the Divisional Commissioner issued a series of directions to the concerned departments, asking them to take necessary measures and resolve the pending issues on priority.
He emphasised the need for close coordination among all stakeholder departments and called for a result-oriented approach to address the identified bottlenecks within the shortest possible time.
