Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Oct 29: The Housing & Urban Development Department has clarified that Bandipora’s municipal limits have not been excluded from the AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme, countering claims of its omission.
This clarification was issued in a written reply to MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, who had sought reasons for the town’s perceived exclusion from the central scheme.
According to the department, a Water Supply Scheme (WSS) for Bandipora Town was prepared under AMRUT 2.0. However, the project could not be initiated due to a “restricted ceiling” on funds. In a significant move, the Union Territory Screening Committee (UTSC) has now decided to prioritize all such shelved projects under the Capital Expenditure (Capex) Scheme in the coming financial years.
The government further stated that the Municipal Council (MC) Bandipora is already on par with other well-developed municipalities in Jammu & Kashmir. The response highlighted that the town’s infrastructure is being developed through various other funding sources, including the Capex Budget, IDMT and FC Grants, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), and the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0.
In its reply, the department detailed several key developmental works currently underway in Bandipora. These include the upgradation of link roads, lanes, drains, and footpaths to improve connectivity and ensure smooth movement for both traffic and pedestrians. A special focus has been placed on internal roads and major arterial roads linking commercial and residential areas.
Other initiatives involve the development of public spaces, including parks, a community/marriage hall, and recreational centers, to enhance the quality of life for residents. Efficient services like door-to-door solid waste collection, street cleaning, and the provision of dustbins are being provided. A multi-level car parking facility is under construction and is expected to be completed within a few months to ease traffic congestion.
Furthermore, a new slaughterhouse has been designed with proper zoning to separate livestock holding, slaughtering, meat processing, and waste disposal. This design ensures hygienic operations while minimizing environmental and health hazards.
The government emphasized that these comprehensive measures aim to create a well-planned urban environment, ensuring Bandipora attains developmental standards comparable to other advanced municipalities in the region.
Comments are closed.