‘Ensure green carpeting of central verges, dust-free footpaths in Srinagar’

Srinagar, Dec 19: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Thursday chaired a meeting of Srinagar Smart City Limited to review implementation of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in Srinagar.

He also reviewed developmental works being executed under NCAP, proposal plans and Saving Action Plan. Besides CEO SSCL/Commissioner SMC, Dr Owais Ahmad and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, the meeting was attended by senior officers of SSCL, R&B, Social Forestry, Traffic, Transport, Pollution Control Board, I&FC, Floriculture, other concerned departments and experts.

At the outset, CEO SSCL gave a detailed presentation of developmental projects executed for implementation of NCAP and the proposed plans. He briefed the chair regarding Annual Targets/Reduction values achieved for PM10 levels, status of funds under the National Clean Air Programme, activities undertaken by Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to improve air quality, projects under Annual Action Plan, major ongoing projects under NCAP, creation of green zones, upgradation of roads, landscaping of parks and procurement of Mechanical Road Sweepers and Water Sprinklers for dust control. Addressing the meeting, Div Com directed the officers to undertake plantation activities in the medians of roads solely during the designated plantation season. He emphasized that no planting should occur during the winter months.

He directed for completion of fencing & land filling of medians and other civil works & developmental projects within the stipulated timelines. Besides, Div Com called regulation of different sources of air pollution including industrial effluent & brick kilns.

To enhance the air quality within the city, the Div Com mandated the implementation of green landscaping along the central verges of roads, the maintenance of dust-free footpaths and ensure pothole-free roads. He also gave instructions for the innovative development of areas located beneath flyovers.