SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) on Thursday said it will soon commence work on its maiden ‘Vertical Housing Colony’ in the Kashmir capital Srinagar, in a bid to ensure economical use of land in a city that’s fast expanding.
Vice-chairman of the SDA, Shafaat Noor Barlas stressed the need for expediting the venture so that construction work could begin before the onset of winter.
The apartments, around 400 2BHK (Bedroom-Hall-Kitchen) and 3BHK residential flats, named ‘Shehjar Apartments will be constructed at Bemina (opposite Hajj House).
SDA has already begun work on construction of around 60 residential flats named Gulposh Apartments near JK Bank Bemina, for which allotment is being made to prospective buyers shortly through draw-of-lots.
HUDCO, consultants for the vertical apartment, have submitted the preliminary drawings of the Shehjar Project including the overall layout plan and design of individual blocks and the flats.
The colony would be provided with adequate underground and surface parking facility, parks, community hall, children’s play area, tennis court, amphitheatre, health club, community market, food court
As per the preliminary drawings, Shehjar Apartments would be spread over around 100 kanals of land with 40 ft wide main road and 36 ft wide internal roads transecting various apartment blocks.
The Vertical Colony would be provided with adequate underground and surface parking facility, parks, community hall, children’s play area, tennis court, amphitheatre, health club, community market, food court and other amenities for the residents.
Speaking at a meeting, Mr Barlas that given the scarce land resources and sky-rocketing land prices in Srinagar “time has come for SDA to introduce the concept of flatted accommodation in and around the city.”
He said SDA should take the lead in promoting the culture of Vertical Housing Colonies in the city and accordingly the provision should be kept for going up to 70 ft vertical instead of the existing 55 ft. He said the norms for high-rises in Srinagar city are being revised in the new Master Plan.
He, however, asked the HUDCO authorities to ensure the structures are earthquake resistant and also keep provision for Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and Solar Energy for the Shehjar Apartments.
Kashmir falls in seismic zone four and five – highly prone to quakes.
