Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 19: Minister for Public Works and Floriculture, Sayed Mohd Altaf Bukhari today said that restoration of all the damaged in floods and rains is the priority of the new Government.
While replying to a question of Bashir Ahmad Magray in the Legislative Council today, the Minister said that Tahab-Naina road via Wachi is a part of Pulwama-Tahab-Wachi-Naina-Sangam road which has an aggregate length of 22 Km.
He said that 14 Km of this road from Lassipora junction to Sangam via Naina, Wachi has been taken up under the Central Road Fund (CRF) and the remaining 8 Km is being presently maintained under projectization State sector. He said out of 14 Km of road taken up under CRF, blacktopping of the 4 km has already been completed as on ending February 2015. He said during 2015-16 it is envisaged to blacktop 10 Km road length.
Mr Bukhari further said that the department has also formulated a DPR for widening and up-gradation of 8 Km of road length from Pulwama to Lassipora via Tahab at an estimated cost of Rs 897.57 lakh for seeking funding under CRF and said that the road is presently trafficable.
In reply to another question of Ghulam Nabi Monga, the R&B Minister said that Jhullah and Chandanwari bridges are being constructed under special bridge programme (Projectization) through JKPCC Ltd at an estimated cost of Rs 9.28 crore and Rs 5.09 crore respectively, in block Uri. He said that an amount of Rs 69.50 lakh and Rs 2.5 crore have been spent respectively ending March, 2014.
With regard to construction of Peernian Bridge in Boniyar block, the Minister said that the bridge is approved under NABARD RIDF XV and is under execution through JKPCC at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore. Mr Bukhari said that an amount of Rs 2.29 crore stands released ending March 2014 while as Rs 15 lakh have been released during current financial year.
Mr Bukhari added that the left side abutment and pier of Jhullah bridge has been completed up to cap level, while as right side, abutment raft has been completed. With regard to the status of Chandanwari bridge, the minister said main bridge stands completed; however, work on approaches is in progress. He added that following the improvement in resource position under Special Bridges Programme, the Jhullah and Chandanwari bridges would be completed by 2016-17. He said that sub structure of Peernian bridge stands completed while as fabrication of steel superstructure is in progress.