SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Samoon on Friday in a meeting announced that the work on the Rs.5 crore Beautification project of historical Jamia Masjid Corridor is likely to be started from April,2012.He hoped, by March this year, the project will get approval from Government of India. He said by execution of this project, it will not only restore the past glory of the Historical Jamia Masjid but will also promote more pilgrimage tourism including commercial activities in the area and will strength the economy of the locals .He said the Srinagar city has a tremendous potential of pilgrimage tourism and the government is making all efforts to promote pilgrimage tourism in whole Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by, among others, District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Baseer Ahmed Khan, Director, Tourism, Mr, Farooq Ahmed Shah, Director, SKICC, Mr, G.N Qasba Chief Engineer of R&B, Mr.Mustaq Ahmed Lone, Chief Engineer, PDD, Mr, Muzafar Ahmed Matoo, Director Floriculture, Mr. H.P. Singh, Officers of Forest, ASI, and the representatives of Jamia Masjid Traders Federation.
On the occasion, the representatives of Jamia Masjid Market Federation gave full assurance to the Divisional Administration for supporting in implementation of the said project in letter and spirit. They said by execution of this project, will add more grace in the historical importance of the Jamia Masjid and the locals particularly the shopkeepers will be benefited.
Dr. Samoon said that the Historical Jamia Masjid is our identity, century’s old heritage and it is the responsibilities of all the sections of the society and all walks of life to fully support in implementation of the project.
Meanwhile, the District Development Commissioner, said that there are some other areas, where we have to focus, among them, which required immediate attention, like setting up a fire brigade Station, a Primary Health Centre equipped with latest medical tools, ATM facilities from Jammu and Kashmir Bank and good drainage system.
The meeting also discussed the rehabilitation of Muslim Park shopkeepers, so that the park can be developed for the common people. Besides, the meeting was also informed about the Nagar Nagger project, coming at the cost of Rs.38.14 crores. The meeting was told by the Director Tourism, that the work on the Rampart wall has already been started from Kathidarwaza. He said that construction of a Restaurant at Nager Nagers, cable car line, tourists accommodation, public connivances ,interpretation centre and water park is in pipe line.
On the occasion, SMC was directed to make all the street lights functional immediately. (KMW News)Â 
