Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for infrastructure and river conservation projects worth over ₹190 crore across Srinagar and Budgam districts, marking a major push towards urban transformation and environmental sustainability.
Covering five constituencies, the projects focus on urban beautification, pollution abatement of the Jhelum River, and strengthening sewerage treatment infrastructure for Doodh Ganga. The initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to improving civic amenities, enhancing climate resilience, and restoring key water bodies.
At Rainawari, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of Bab-ul-Sultan-ul-Arifeen, a landmark city gateway featuring artistic calligraphy at Rainawari Chowk. The project, to be executed by PW (R&B) at a cost of ₹130 lakh, aims to enhance the aesthetic and cultural identity of the historic locality. He said the gateway would not only beautify the area but also highlight its spiritual and cultural significance.
At Brari-Nambal, Munawarabad, he also launched a major environmental initiative for pollution abatement and conservation of the River Jhelum at Chuntikul and Gowkadal. The project, under the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) and to be executed by UEED at a cost of ₹7,090.68 lakh, includes the establishment of an 8 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to significantly reduce untreated discharge into the river.
Additionally, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for two major sewage treatment projects to curb pollution in Doodh Ganga — a 14 MLD STP at Aloochi-Bagh, Srinagar (₹5,060.47 lakh), and a 6 MLD STP at Mochua, Budgam (₹6,772.32 lakh), which will treat dry weather flow from Chadoora to Baghi-i-Mehtab. These projects aim to substantially strengthen wastewater management and environmental protection in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that although projects worth nearly ₹200 crore across five constituencies would ordinarily warrant a large public event, the programme was kept modest in view of the holy month of Ramzan.
“If we had organised this programme at another time, it would have seen huge public participation. But keeping Ramzan in mind, we did not want to inconvenience people or delay projects for which the public has been waiting,” he said.
Highlighting the responsibilities of the Housing & Urban Development Department and the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, he said drainage, sewerage, roads, parks, and the development of new colonies fall within their mandate.
“Our two capital cities, Srinagar and Jammu, create the first impression of Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists arrive here first, and millions of residents live here. It is our responsibility to ensure that urban infrastructure reflects the region’s development,” he said.
He noted that inadequate drainage and sewerage systems often result in severe waterlogging even after brief rainfall.
“It rains for one hour and the whole city is under water. This must change. Whether through Central schemes, UT Capex, District Capex, or new funding mechanisms like SASCI, our effort is to comprehensively upgrade Srinagar’s infrastructure,” he said.
Referring to changing climate patterns, he observed that rainfall distribution has become increasingly erratic.
“We may not see rain for months, and then receive six months’ rainfall in three days. Instead of percolating into the ground, water flows away, leading to both flooding and water scarcity. Our infrastructure must be prepared to withstand such changing weather patterns,” he added.
Emphasising water conservation and reuse, he said treated sewage should improve — not degrade — river water quality.
“We must ensure that treated water entering rivers enhances their quality. Our lakes and canals must regain their former glory,” he said, recalling Srinagar’s historic identity as the “Venice of the East.”
“Once, people travelled through our canals by boat. I want our water bodies restored to that standard. Water quality must improve, and scarcity must reduce,” he added.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to decongest the city by developing planned housing colonies in peripheral areas.
“There is immense pressure on the inner city because sufficient planned colonies have not been developed. This year, we intend to take up at least one or two major housing projects with proper roads, drainage, water, and electricity infrastructure so that people willingly move towards the outskirts,” he said.
Assuring speedy implementation, he said several projects are ready for inauguration or foundation laying.
“In the next three to three-and-a-half years, when we return to the people, we want to present a transformed Srinagar — a city with modern infrastructure and renewed character. That is our commitment,” he said.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Ali Mohammad Dar, Tanvir Sadiq, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed and Shamima Firdous, Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner SMC Fazlul Haseeb, and other senior officers were present on the occasion. (Agency)
