Excelsior Correspondent
![Minister for Housing Raman Bhalla interacting with residents of Channi Rama on Tuesday.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/page528-300x184.jpg)
JAMMU, Jan 14: Minister for Horticulture, Housing and Culture Raman Bhalla today said that peace is vital for making Jammu and Kashmir a progressive and prosperous State, adding that people’s cooperation is imperative for the purpose.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a public grievances redressal camp after assessing development related issues of the inhabitants of Pamposh Colony in Channi Rama, here today.
Mr. Bhalla said Government was fully aware of people’s problems and is making all out effort to mitigate these on priority.
Listing the measures taken by the Government in improving the living standard of the inhabitants of the locality, the Minister said Government has dedicated Rs. 38 lakh multipurpose community hall to the residents of Pamposh Colony, Channi Rama, Chinar Colony, Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, Bilal Colony, Shanker Colony, Rajput Mohalla and its adjoining areas for arranging their social as well as religious functions on minimum fee.
Mr. Bhalla called upon the inhabitants to protect the public property in their respective localities for their own interest. The Minister stressed upon the officers to bring in more accountability and transparency in utilization of funds available under various Centrally and State sponsored schemes for better infrastructural development of the State.
Responding to the locals demand, the Minister informed the inhabitants that Government has formulated a project costing Rs. Rs. 68 crore for construction of Barsati nallah from Jodhamal School to Gangyal, adding that the project would be started by ERA after completing the tendering formalities.
Regarding upgradation of lanes and drains in the locality, Mr. Bhalla asked the JMC officers to prepare estimates and submit the same for funding so that the works could be started for the convenience of general people.