SRINAGAR, Sep 28: The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved a ₹360-crore comprehensive project for solid waste management in Srinagar, including the long-standing legacy waste at Achan, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the Legislative Assembly on Monday.
Responding to concerns raised by legislators over waste management in the city, Abdullah said the issue was a legitimate concern for all eight MLAs representing Srinagar.
“I know that all the eight honourable MLAs who are from Srinagar city are concerned about this issue, especially the issue of legacy waste at Achan and its impact not only on Achan and its surrounding areas but almost the entire city,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government had accordingly approved a comprehensive project focusing on both Achan and solid waste management across Srinagar.
“That is why we have approved a comprehensive project specifically for Achan and Srinagar’s solid waste management,” Abdullah said, adding that “approximately Rs 360 crore” would be spent on the project.
Addressing concerns over the participation of firms that have been blacklisted, Abdullah assured the House that such contractors would not be allowed to participate in the project.
“I assure the honourable MLA through you that any contractors who have been blacklisted will not be considered for this work or these projects,” he said.
“They will be kept out of this work,” he added.
The Chief Minister also said the government would proceed with the project without delay. He informed the House that the bids were scheduled to be opened on October 1, after which the project would be allotted.
“The last date for bid opening is October 1. The bids will be opened on October 1 and the project will be allotted,” Abdullah said.
