Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jun 27: Mayor Srinagar Junaid Azim Mattu said proactive measures have been taken to promote cleanliness and address water scarcity in the city in view of the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
With the city witnessing a surge in population and increased challenges surrounding the disposal of sacrificial waste, Mayor Mattu, along with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), on Tuesday said they have introduced a comprehensive plan to manage these issues effectively.
The Mayor, while addressing a press conference in Mayor’s Conference Hall at the SMC Central office in Karan Nagar, Srinagar, said that during Eid-ul-Azha, there are significant challenges concerning the sacrifice of animals in the city. The proper disposal of waste and maintenance of religious rituals are of utmost importance, he said.
To address this, 104 copper vehicles have been deployed in Srinagar to handle the hides and offal of sacrificial animals, Mattu said, adding that the list of schedules has already been published in newspapers and other media outlets.
I would like to request the people to utilize these services to keep Srinagar clean, he said, adding that the service is available throughout the year, and the contact numbers have been provided for assistance. “It is a doorstep delivery service, and 104 vehicles have been allocated for this purpose. The service will be available on June 29, 30, and July 1 – the 3rd day of Eid – for the collection of hides and sacrificial waste,” he informed.
Regarding water scarcity in the Srinagar district, the Mayor said the water supply from Ganderbal has been reduced due to agricultural activities, resulting in a 25 to 30 cusec water decrease. For its solution, I have requested the Lieutenant Governor to temporarily shut down the hydropower project to increase the water flow into the Srinagar district by 15 to 20 cusecs, he said
Junai said that during the festival, efforts are being made to address water scarcity by urging the Public Health Department (PHD) to regulate water misuse. We are also coordinating with the Division of Public Health Engineering (PHE) and have deployed water tankers throughout the city for the past week, he said, adding, “We will continue these efforts during Eid and reach wherever possible. Additionally, we are working on fixing potholes as needed.”
Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Athar Amir, said people should not dispose of sacrificial remains on roads, rivers, or any other inappropriate locations. “Immediate action will be taken against those found violating this. Eid is a festival of happiness, and it is everyone’s responsibility to celebrate it in a proper manner,” he said.
In the vehicle services initiated in Srinagar City for collecting sacrificial waste and other garbage, Amir said the vehicle number along with the driver’s contact number has been included. “We have also provided contact numbers for the ward officers. If the driver is unable to reach your area, you can contact the ward officer. If the ward officer is unreachable, you can contact our control room directly,” he said.
Regarding streetlight repairs, the SMC Commissioner said, “We have signed a contract with the ESL company, allowing them to install streetlights in Srinagar city. According to the contract, ESL is responsible for installing and maintaining streetlights for the next 7 years. If any lights are faulty or experience issues, ESL is obligated to repair them. Payments will be released on an annual basis over the 7-year period, following certification of their services each month. If the streetlights in your area are not functional, please report this to our control room or contact us using the grievance numbers provided.”
Furthermore, approximately Rs 160 crores have been approved for a project under AMRUT 2.0, which is aimed at augmenting the raw water supply for Srinagar city.” The project has been designed to ensure a water source for the city for the next 30 years,” he said.
