Beautification of Kashmir's river Jhelum in full swing

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Srinagar, Dec 27 (UNI) The work on Rs 25.55 crore beautification project of river Jhelum in Kashmir is going on in full swing and the first phase from Sonawar to Gaw Kadal here would be completed by the end of March next year, an official spokesman said today.

He said an amount of Rs 3.33 crore has been incurred for drainage and development of flood channel capacity in the first phase so far.

Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir inspected the ongoing civil works on the river Jhelum here last evening.

He was informed that for protection, strengthening and sloping of bunds, fencing and development of recreational parks in the first phase of the beautification project was nearing completion.

In addition, the Peerzoo channel and flood protection works on the river at left side up to Lal Ded hospital was expected to be completed within two months, the spokesman said.

The Minister instructed the engineers to expedite works as per the scheduled target. He warned that in case the executing agencies and contractors fail to complete works within the stipulated time, they would be blacklisted.

He also directed for setting up a committee of senior engineers to re-assess damages caused to various irrigation and flood control schemes due to floods in the Kashmir valley so that a comprehensive reconstruction project was formulated.

The committee would submit its report within a fortnight, Mr Mir said and directed for early rehabilitation of the affected families under the beautification project.

He asked the engineers to complete green belts, walk ways and view points along the embankments of the river Jhelum to enhance its aesthetic ambience for visitors.

The Minister was informed that 1330 residential hutments on the banks of the river have been removed and rehabilitated at Noorbagh and Bemina housing colonies by providing them with plots and cash assistance under the centrally-sponsored VAMBAY scheme.