Srinagar: The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), headed by Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, held a detailed meeting with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday to review civic and environmental issues concerning the Valley. The GCC team included Nasim Lankar, Latif-ul-Zaman Deva, SRS Madni, Kifayat Hussain, GJ Nehvi, Abdul Rashid Khan, Iftikhar A Drabu, Abdul Majid Butt, Hakim Iftikhar, Khaliq-ul-Zaman Butt, and secretary GCC Mohammad Rafi.
The meeting saw extensive deliberations on solid waste management, with members raising serious concerns about the Achhan landfill site.
The committee questioned the professional expertise and track record of the firm allotted the bio-remediation contract.
The Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), informed that NIT Srinagar had technically appraised the project and that operations are scheduled to begin on November 3.
However, GCC chairman Ganai urged the SMC to “review their calculations,” stating that the projections “did not seem realistic,” particularly regarding the treatment of legacy waste.
The flood management issue also figured prominently in the discussions. The Chief Secretary directed the Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control Department, to coordinate with Er SRS Madni and Er. Iftikhar Drabu for further deliberations on their recommendations.
On traffic and road connectivity, the GCC emphasised the need to remove bottlenecks on city roads and improve traffic management. The Chief Secretary assured that the suggestions would be examined “in right earnest.”
The GCC also revisited connectivity issues highlighted during its previous meeting with the Chief Secretary on November 7 last year. These issues were shared with the Additional Chief Secretary (PWD), who was present at the meeting, with a request for expedited corrective measures.
The protection of lakes, waterbodies, and wetlands was another key concern raised by the GCC, which underscored the urgent need for immediate interventions to restore the Anchar and Wular lakes.
In the health sector, the committee highlighted the poor condition and unsuitable location of the Maternity Hospital in Anantnag and stressed the need to put the vacant GB Pant Hospital to optimal use without further delay.
Responding to this, Health Secretary Dr. Abid Rashid informed that the government has already prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Anantnag Maternity Hospital, while a project is being formulated for the GB Pant facility.
The meeting concluded with the Chief Secretary assuring the GCC that its recommendations would be duly factored into the government’s plans and policies.
