Srinagar Development Authority (S.D.A)

Beautification/Slum Clearance

For centuries river Jehlum has been flowing through the city of Srinagar, lending it a unique character both for locals as well as visitors. With the population explosion the banks of this majestic river have become an eyesore for the city.

SDA embarks on an ambitious program for beautification of both banks of this historic river by way of removal of slums which have emerged on the river banks.

The banks of River Jhelum have been decided to be cleared of all encroachments and the boatmen living on either side of the banks of in Boats/ sheds have been rehabilitated.

In phase Ist residential sheds from Shivpora to Foot Bridge have been demolished in two demolition operations and 226 families have been identified for rehabilitation in a joint survey conducted by I&FC Deptt, Revenue Department, SDA and SMC before demolition. . The identified boatmen have been provided plot of 700 sft in Boatmen colony, EWS Colony Bemina and at Nooorbagh.

14 affected families living in Babademb water body have also been proved with plots in EWS Colony Bemina besides 20 families living in boats/sheds in Zainakadal have also been provided with plots whose boats/ sheds were damaged due to construction of new Zainakdal Bridge on the basis of list furnished by the R&B Deparmtnet.

Each affected family will be provided an amount of Rs. 45,000 for raising a dwelling unit The detailed survey of the remaining families living in doongas and sheds on the banks of river Jehlum is being conducted and all the families will be shifted in phases for which a comprehensive scheme has been prepared and submitted to State/Central Government for approval

Chunti Khul an important offshoot of river Jehlum passes through the most prestigious areas of the city, i.e Dalgate

• Effective steps have already been taken for removal of slums from the banks/islands of this nallah.
• 350 families have already been removed from the area and rehabilitated elsewhere
• Remaining structures also be shifted after a detailed survey
• The land thus restored is to be landscaped in conformity with the master plan proposals of Srinagar city

The Srinagar Development Authority have from time to time allotted plots free of cost in Bemina Boatman Colony, Noorbagh Boatmen Colony, LS-SB Colony Bemina and Jehlum (Patches) Bemina to the Boatmen who lived in the City Channels, Water Bodies and River Jhelum under the rehabilitation scheme who were identified by the Government/ Srinagar Development Authority in view of the beautification of Srinagar City etc., the Government/ Srinagar Development Authority apart from providing residential plots have covered the beneficiary’s with the cash subsidy of Rs. 45,000.00 per beneficiary for construction of the dwelling units. The amount of subsidy was shared by the Central Government and State Government on 50:50 basis. The details of the Scheme are provided hereunder:

·Total Number of Families Living in Sheds identified for Construction of Dwelling Units 442.

·Amount of Subsidy Involved 198.90 lacs on 50:50 basis (Centre/ State Share).

·Amount of Subsidy Released 198.90 lacs.

·Progress Achieved by the Beneficiaries after Release of Subsidy in Construction Of Dwelling Units: Completed: 442.

·Total Number of Families Living in Sheds identified for Construction of Dwelling Units 646.

·Amount of Subsidy Involved 291.10 lacs on 50:50 basis (Centre/ State Share).

·Amount of Subsidy Released 254.925 lacs.

·Progress Achieved by the Beneficiaries after Release of Subsidy in Construction of Dwelling Units: Completed: 487 Plinths: 30 Non Starters: 129.