Strengthening urban infrastructure priority of govt: CM

Srinagar, Jun 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday laid the foundation stones for two major sewerage infrastructure projects in Srinagar aimed at strengthening wastewater treatment facilities and improving urban sanitation in the city.
The projects include the augmentation and upgradation of the 17.08 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Brarinambal, Srinagar at a cost of Rs 12 crore, and the construction of a 2.5 MLD capacity STP along with laying of 3.95 kilometres of sewer lines at Chattabal, Srinagar at an estimated cost of Rs 14.54 crore.
These projects are being executed under the Capex Programme by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED), Kashmir, under the Housing & Urban Development Department.
The Chief Minister said that strengthening urban infrastructure, particularly sewerage and wastewater treatment systems, remains a key priority of the government to ensure sustainable development and improved quality of life for citizens. He emphasized that the projects would significantly enhance sewage treatment capacity, improve environmental conditions and contribute towards the conservation of water bodies in and around Srinagar.
The Brarinambal project will upgrade the existing sewage treatment infrastructure to improve efficiency and cater to the growing wastewater management requirements of the city. The Chattabal project, comprising a new STP and an extensive sewer network, is expected to provide improved sanitation facilities to the area and help prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into water channels.
The foundation stone laying ceremonies were attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Habbakadal Shamim Firdous, MLA Khanyar Ali Mohammad Sagar, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar and Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, besides senior officers of the department and local residents.
The projects are expected to play a significant role in enhancing Srinagar’s urban infrastructure and promoting environmentally sustainable wastewater management practices.