Govt resolute to create healthy environment in urban areas: Bhalla

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 1: Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture, Youth Services and Sports, Raman Bhalla, has said that the Government was committed to create healthy environment in urban areas by developing greener patches, adding that in this regard, a comprehensive plan has been prepared.
“Under the plan open spaces are being developed into Green parks with landscaping, massive  plantation  with proper fencing and modern irrigation like sprinkle system for keeping these green”, Bhalla said  while interacting with the residents of Friends Colony at Trikuta Nagar Extension after kick starting the development work  of walkway at the available open space along the Ranbir Canal, here today.
Joint Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Kapil Sharma besides senior officers from JMC, Irrigation and Floriculture Departments accompanied the Minister.
Mr Bhalla asked the   JMC to depute a team of safaikaramcharies for removing the bushes and debris from the choked drains of the area so that the residents do not face any inconvenience. He also directed to prepare estimates for construction of deep drain at Friends Colony and submit the same for funding for early starting the project.
The Minister called upon the people of the area to desist dumping of waste material and avoid littering on the embankment of the Ranbir canal. He said such practices create hindrances for executing agencies and spoil the beauty of the area. He stressed that it’s the duty of every citizen to maintain cleanliness.
Responding to the locals demand, Bhalla announced Rs 12 lakh for blacktopping and upgradation of drains in Adarsh Enclave of Trikuta Nagar Extension including grating facilities over drains.
Earlier, the Minister visited Rampura and kick started construction work of two lanes and drains, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 7 lakh. He asked the JMC to complete the projects within stipulated time frame for the convenience of general masses.
Later, Mr Bhalla also laid foundation stone of recreational park at Gujjar Colony, Narwal, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 25 lakh. He asked the Floriculture Department to complete the park within prescribed time frame with the facilities like illumination, water tank for irrigation, fencing, pathway, seating and landscaping.