|| GH. KALOO
Rakh-I-Arth Numbal measuring 7626 Kanals of land was reportedly identified by the State government and transferred to Lakes and Waterways Development Authority for the development of Housing Colony for the rehabilitation and resettlement of Slum Dwellers of Dal and Nagin Lakes. The detailed Project for the development of Housing Colony at Rakh- I-Arth for Rs 416.72 crores stands approved by the government and the Colony is proposed to be implemented in three Phases. In the first Phase, 3000 Kanals of land was proposed to be developed which was to be followed by the same area under Phase 2nd and 1526 Kanals under Phase 3rd. As per the latest survey, the number of families are10600 in the Dal Lake who need rehabilitation and resettlement.
The proposed No of residential plots in 3 Phases is 10600, out of which 4600 plots were to be developed Under B.S.U.P. and 6000 under State Sector. The work on Mega C olony a t Rakh-I-Arth Bemina is in progress where 10600 plots of 07 Marlas size are to made available to accommodate all the families of the Dal Dwellers. It is learnt that 487 plots have been alloted so far and 173 structures removed from the Dal Lake. What transpires from above is the filling of tons of earth borrowed from outside and dumped into the Arth Numbal which was supposed to act as a Detention Basin whenever Doodganga Nallah would be in spate.
The Experts had constructed a Diversion Channel to divert one third of siltladen Flood Waters towards Narkura and Arth Numbles so that these could get reclaimed in due course of time. Therefore, it shows that the very purpose of the said Diversion Channel stands defeated to the hilt. How it has happened and who is responsible for such a Himalayan blunder needs detailed Technical Probe.
