Jammu, March 8: The Jammu and Kashmir government Saturday attributed delays in critical drainage and bridge projects in Abi-Buchwara, Dalgate, and Khonakhan to the involvement of multiple agencies, stating that different departments are responsible for executing various aspects of the work.
Responding to concerns raised by MLA Khanyar Ali Mohammad Sagar in the Assembly, the government dismissed allegations of inefficiency by the Lake Conservation and& Management Authority (LCMA). “It clarified that while the Roads and Buildings (R&B) department and the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) are responsible for bridge construction, drainage works are managed jointly by SMC and Srinagar Smart City Limited. Lakes Conservation Management Authority’s (LCMA’s) role is limited to implementing the sewerage network in the area,” the government stated.
It informed the House that LCMA has already awarded a Rs 283.81 lakh contract to complete the remaining sewerage links in Khonakhan and surrounding areas. Work on these links is currently in progress, but no specific timeline has been provided for the completion of the broader drainage and bridge projects.
The government assured that all efforts are being made to expedite the work and minimise inconvenience to the local population. However, residents have repeatedly expressed frustration over the prolonged delays, as incomplete infrastructure continues to cause disruptions, particularly during inclement weather. The lack of functional drainage systems has led to waterlogging in several areas, adding to the daily struggles of commuters and shopkeepers. With public discontent growing, MLA Sagar sought a definitive timeline for project completion.
