DC Ganderbal discusses development of Kullan Baltal road, other works

Directs APCO & MEIL to follow norms of PCB in letter and spirit

GANDERBAL, APRIL 15: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shyambir today chaired a meeting to review the beatification and other development works to be undertaken at Sonamarg tourist destination.

During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on various works including repairing of roads, installations of street light along Sonamarg market, drainage, augmentation of water supply, underground power cabling through Z-morh tunnel and works to be taken under CSR by executing agencies of Z-morh (APCO) and Zojila (MEIL) tunnel projects.

The DC took a comprehensive review of development of road from Kullan to Baltal and fixed timeline for carrying necessary patch working and repairing of the said road wherever road has got damaged and both executing agencies of tunnel projects were directed that chain mounted machines shall not ply on macadamized road.

Executive Engineer Jal Shakti was directed that underground power cabling shall be completed by 30 May, 2023.

Beautification plan for Sonamarg market was also discussed and CEO Sonamarg Development Authority was asked to finalize the design of lights that are to be installed throughout the market besides MEIL was directed to complete the laying down of water pipes through the market upto 20 May, 2023.

The CEO was also directed to install signage and publicize the rate list of various services besides a dedicated Complaint Cell shall also be established for the convenience of tourists.

The meeting also discussed rehabilitation of affected inhabitants of Rezan village due to landslide, corporate Social Responsibility related issues, compensation to NOKs of dead laborers, muck dumping, disposal of solid waste, adherence to pollution norms, etc.

While discussing the compensation to affected inhabitants of Rezan village, GM NHIDCL was asked to submit a report within 3 days.

A detailed report submitted by District Officer, Pollution Control Board, Ganderbal regarding adherence to Pollution Control Board norms by the executing agencies of both the projects and DC gave necessary instructions to both the Projects Managers for ensuring rules and regulations of Pollution Control Board are followed in letter and spirit so that flora and fauna of adjoining surrounding is protected.

He directed them to install sufficient sedimentation tanks, bio-digester for kitchen waste besides muck shall be dumped only at identified locations.

The meeting was attended by ADDC, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani, ADC, Mehraj-ud-Din Shah, ACR, SDM Kangan, CEO SDA, Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti and PDD, District Officer, Pollution Control Board, ALC besides GM NHIDCL along with Project managers of APCO and Meil.

(NOTE: PRESS RELEASE PUBLISHED AS RECEIVED)