SMC gets two complexes for displaced traders

The Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency (JKERA) today handed over two rehabilitation complexes — namely Rambagh and Jehangir Chowk rehabilitation complexes — constructed by it with a cost of Rs 100 crore to the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC).
An ERA spokesman said the complexes had been set up for the rehabilitation of shopkeepers getting displaced due to the construction of the Rambagh–Jehangir Chowk Flyover in Srinagar city.
During a function held here that was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, and Chief Executive Officer, J&K, ERA, Vinod Sharma, the possession of the complexes were handed over to Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Bashir Ahmad Khan.
The shopping complex at Jehangir Chowk comprises of 152 shops with 1,42,000 sq ft commercial/ office space. The shopping complex at Rambagh comprises 153 No shops and has 1,04,000 sq ft commercial/office space.
The spokesman said most of the shopkeepers affected by the flyover had been accommodated in these complexes except for few leftover cases which were under litigation/ dispute. Henceforth, the SMC will be owner of these two complexes and draw the rental agreements and charge monthly rent from tenants/ allotees of these complexes and shall also be responsible for the upkeep of these complexes.
“The uncommitted shops in these complexes shall be allotted by a committee headed by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, and comprising of Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Chief Engineer PW (R&B) Department, Kashmir, as members,” he added.