CM Omar Abdullah Pushes Large-Scale Housing, Satellite Township Projects at SDA Board Meet

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, June 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday chaired the 84th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), reviewing the progress of major urban development initiatives, including the proposed Satellite Township at Rakhi Gund Aksha, Bemina, housing projects, commercial assets and infrastructure development plans aimed at improving urban facilities in Srinagar.

The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat, assessed the implementation status of decisions taken during the previous Board meeting and deliberated on a range of issues related to urban infrastructure, housing, land management, organisational reforms and project execution by the Authority.

The Board reviewed the Action Taken Report on earlier decisions, including land identification for public infrastructure projects, progress on development initiatives, engagement of technical personnel and other administrative measures undertaken by the SDA.

A detailed review was conducted on key projects, particularly the proposed Satellite Township at Rakhi Gund Aksha, development of commercial assets and housing initiatives planned across the city.

Referring to the satellite township and other upcoming housing projects, the Chief Minister stressed the need for creating well-planned, aesthetically appealing and livable urban spaces. He said housing projects should incorporate adequate civic and social infrastructure, including schools, parks, playgrounds, shopping facilities and other essential amenities, along with quality landscaping and attractive surroundings.

The Board also discussed measures to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Authority, including formulation of recruitment rules, employee welfare measures and steps to improve planning and development activities.

Issues relating to the revision and implementation of the Srinagar Master Plan, preparation of zonal development plans, management of commercial assets, development of public infrastructure and budget estimates of the Authority were also reviewed.

Emphasising 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 also called for strengthening institutional mechanisms and improving civic and urban service delivery to meet the growing needs of Srinagar.

The Chief Minister urged the SDA to focus on large-scale housing projects to address the city’s housing requirements and to improve parking facilities in congested areas of Srinagar.

The Board also underscored the need for planned development of the Batmaloo area and making the Sangarmal Shopping Centre fully functional. Directions were issued for the development of vacant land parcels near Sangarmal by undertaking key infrastructure and commercial 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, Vice Chairman SDA and other senior officers.

Vice Chairman SDA Shabir Hussain Bhat presented the agenda items before the Board.