Work on major heritage projects underway in Srinagar; 28 more religious & historical sites identified for restoration: DC Akshay Labroo

• Mission Youth empowers 3,000 enterprises In Srinagar; 800 receive bank funding
• Administration strengthens drug de-addiction facilities, plans new centres to make Srinagar drug-free 

SRINAGAR: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Monday said that nine major projects aimed at restoring Srinagar’s historical and religious landmarks are currently in progress and expected to be completed by the next financial year.

Among the ongoing works are the conservation of the historic Aali Masjid at Eidgah, the Khanqah of Hazrat Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshband Sahib (RA) in Nowhatta and the renovation of the ancient Vacharnag Temple. Labroo said the objective is to revive the cultural and spiritual glory of Srinagar by preserving heritage sites in their original form.

According to News Timeline Kashmir, in an interaction with Senior Correspondent Parvez ud Din, the Deputy Commissioner revealed that 28 additional heritage and religious sites have also been identified for conservation under a broader restoration scheme. “These include Mughal-era gardens such as Nishat and Shalimar. Detailed project reports and estimates have already been sent to the government and we are hopeful that work will begin on these projects soon,” he said.

According to officials, crores of rupees are being invested in these initiatives, which cover mosques, khanqahs, temples, imambara’s and historical gardens across Srinagar district.

Beyond heritage conservation, Labroo said that the administration has taken up nearly 500 developmental works in Srinagar this year under Capex and CDF funds. These include construction of bunds, additional classrooms and smart classes in schools.

“Seventy to seventy-five works have already been allotted and execution has started. Agencies have been asked to speed up construction before the onset of winter,” Labroo said.

On concerns over delays and stalled projects, Akshay Labroo admitted that hurdles such as contract disputes, legal issues, non-implementation of financial guidelines and shortage of funds had slowed down some works. “Our focus is to resolve issues wherever possible and revive pending projects at the earliest so that people benefit without further delay,” he assured.

Highlighting government initiatives for youth, Labroo said about ‘Mission Youth’, a program designed to encourage young entrepreneurs. “Through Mission Youth, educated youth can avail loans at minimal interest rates. The administration even helps prepare paperwork and DPRs. So far, 3,000 enterprises in Srinagar have been approved by the DLIC, while 800 have already received bank disbursements,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner also underlined steps being taken to curb drug abuse in the district. “Our drug de-addiction centre is being strengthened further. If the need arises, more centres can be established with full compliance of norms. The administration is committed to providing every possible support to ensure Srinagar becomes drug-free,” he said.