Start work on footbridges, link roads: CM to SMC

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 16

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today directed the Shimla Municipal Corporation and Public Works Department to start work on the three footbridges, three link roads, speed up completion of the housing projects meant for the urban poor in the capital city.

Virbhadra Singh also directed the SMC to start work on the Jodha Niwas- Tuti Kandi Ropeway project and complete Shimla beautification project by June this year. He directed the SMC to ensure regular and quality water supplies to the residents. The Chief Minister issued these directions to the SMC and the PWD while reviewing the progress of various works and projects of SMC here today.

On the rehabilitation of the urban poor living in Krishnanagar, Ruldu Ka Bhatta, Dhobhighat, Lalpani, near Kamla Nehru hospital and other parts of the city, which was raised by HPTDC vice chairman, Harish Janartha during review meeting, the Chief Minister directed the SMC to expedite the completion of Ashiana, Krishnanagar Colony and other housing projects in time and allot the houses to them. “The residents living in these areas on government land will not be uprooted until they are allotted proper houses under these projects”, he added.

On the construction of three proposed three foot bridges at Sanjauli College, Tara Hall and Chelsea and three link roads from Nav Bahar-Shimla by-Pass, Holiday Home hotel- Shimla bypass, Tunnel 103-Shimla bypass, the Chief Minister directed the PWD and the SMC to get all clearances and speed up works as these are important projects to decongest the city.

After tourism officials assured him that the ongoing beautification of town project will be completed by June this year, the Chief Minister said Shimla being a state capital needed to be given priority so that it could be included in Smart City Mission.

He appreciated the Shimla Mall road restoration project and conservation of churches in heritage zone, renovation of Rani Jhansi Park and the fountains, renovation of roads and parks lightening the streets and tunnels with LED lights. “The SMC should restore traditional water bodies (bowdis) and set up musical fountains in the city”, he added.

Virbhadra Singh directed the SMC, the PWD and the district administration to speed up shifting of Sabji Mandi to Darni Ka Bagicha and timber market to Shanaan to decongest the city. He blamed delay in renovation of Town Hall on Shimla Mayor, who, he said, did not vacate it in time.

The Chief Minister directed the authorities to complete the multi-storey parking at Tutukandi and start work on Johdi Niwas- Tuti Kandi ropeways project.

The Chief Minister directed that a shelter house should be run for stray dogs at Tutkikandi in a proper manner. Since the case is pending in the Supreme Court following a petition having been filed by Animal Welfare Board of India against judgment of Himachal High court for making Shimla stray dog-free, the Municipal Corporation was helpless in controlling the canine menace, he added.

Chief Secretary VC Pharka directed the SMC and the PWD to start work on the foot bridges and Sanjauli Sports Complex in March and install LED screen at Sanjauli.

Commissioner MC Pankaj Rai gave a presentation on various works and projects being carried by the SMC. He said the MC constructed six rain shelters and nine more were proposed and will set up five more e-toilets and water ATMs in 25 wards of Shimla.