Srinagar, Jun 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday chaired the 84th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) at the Civil Secretariat, reviewing key urban development initiatives and directing the Authority to accelerate planned housing and infrastructure projects across Srinagar.
The meeting assessed the implementation status of decisions taken during the previous Board meeting and deliberated on a range of issues concerning urban infrastructure, housing development, organizational reforms, land management and ongoing projects being executed by the SDA.
The Board reviewed the action taken report on earlier decisions, including identification of land for public infrastructure projects, progress on development works, engagement of technical personnel and other administrative measures undertaken by the Authority.
Among the major projects discussed were the proposed Satellite Township at Rakhi Gund Aksha in Bemina, development of commercial assets, housing schemes and other infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving urban facilities in Srinagar.
Emphasizing the need for well-planned urban expansion, the Chief Minister said upcoming housing projects should be developed as complete and livable communities equipped with schools, parks, playgrounds, shopping facilities and other essential civic amenities. He also stressed the importance of quality landscaping and aesthetically appealing surroundings to enhance the city’s urban environment.
The Board also discussed measures to strengthen the institutional capacity of the SDA, including formulation of recruitment rules, employee welfare initiatives and steps to improve planning and development activities.
During the meeting, proposals related to the revision and implementation of the Srinagar Master Plan, preparation of zonal development plans, management of commercial assets, development of public infrastructure and the Authority’s budget estimates were also reviewed.
Calling for transparent, efficient and sustainable urban development, Omar Abdullah directed that all projects be executed in a time-bound manner while adhering to planning norms and safeguarding public interest. He underscored the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms and improve civic service delivery to meet the growing demands of the city.
The Chief Minister also urged the SDA to focus on large-scale housing projects to address Srinagar’s increasing housing requirements and improve parking infrastructure in congested areas of the city.
The Board highlighted the need for planned development of the Batmaloo area and making the Sangarmal Shopping Centre fully functional. Directions were also issued for the development of vacant land parcels near Sangarmal through the execution of key public projects.
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, Additional Chief Secretary Public Works Department Anil Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department Mandeep Kaur, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, SDA Vice Chairman and other senior officers.
SDA Vice Chairman Shabir Hussain Bhat presented the agenda items before the Board.
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