SRINAGAR: The beautification of Jhelum is still in progress even as only 50 per cent of the work has been completed so far.
In 2018, Jammu and Kashmir government took up the project for the beautification of river Jhelum embankments in the summer capital of Srinagar, under smart city project.
The project is being executed by the irrigation and flood control department for which the funds have been released under Smart City Mission.
Officials said the first phase of the project, which makes up 50 percent of the beautification of the river, will be completed by December this year.
“By the end of December, the Phase I of the beautification of Jhelum will be completed. So far, the riverfront has been beautified and bi-cycle track has been made from Abdullah bridge to Lal Ded hospital. A footpath has also been made and a sophisticated lightning system has also been installed,” said Chief Engineer for Irrigation and Flood Control, Naresh Kumar.
He said the entire work related to the beautification of the left river bank was nearing completion.
“Right now, a kiosk is being developed near the Silk Factory, which will take a month. The beautification work was taken up to Chattabal and the first phase will officially be completed by December this year,” Kumar said.
He said the beautification of the right embankment of the river was left, the process of which he said will also begin soon.
“The tendering of Phase 2 is under examination. It will require a funding of Rs 19 crores. There will be a proper river bund connectivity,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile official sources said the process related to the beginning of the Phase II was on. “Beautification of river Jhelum is a prestigious project. Right now, the government is considering beginning the second phase as soon as possible. The first phase of the beautification project has almost completed,” they said.
Officials said the right embankment will also be developed on modern lines to give the river a different look.
“The Jhelum embankments will be reshaped, with revetments receiving a new look. Public parks situated at the river bund will be developed and renovated, along with the renovation of ghats and the removal of silt from bunds,” they said
