Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Apr 9: Underlining the strategic importance of Batote-Kishtwar highway, Works Minister Abdul Rehman Veeri has directed for immediate restoration of the road connecting twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar with rest of State.
The directions were issued after a deputation led by Member Legislative Council Firdous Tak called on the minister urging him to take immediate measures for repair and up-gradation of Batote-Kishtwar highway which suffered extensive damage following heavy rainfall in 2014.
Highlighting the issue, Tak said that the road earlier being constructed and maintained by BEACON was transferred to State R&B Deptt by the previous dispensation for some unknown reasons. “Since then the fate of the road hangs in balance. The road was subsequently handed over by the Union Government to the newly formed NH Infrastructure Development Corporation but work was never started on the ground”.
He said that the Late Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had released crores of rupees to Works Department for the upgradation and maintenance of the road. “Though some work was executed on ground the road again suffered damage during this winter”, he said adding that hundreds of commuters risk their lives daily by travelling on this highway.
Tak also sought snow clearance work on Kithwar-Sinthan-Anantnag and Kokernag-Margan-Marwah road which remained closed for the vehicular traffic. He said that the road is lifeline for thousands of people living in Marwah and Warwan belts and it was necessary that the snow clearance work be started immediately.
After giving patience hearing to the deputation, the Minister said that directions have been passed to the department to immediately take up restoration and upgradation work of the highway and for this purpose the required funds would be provided.
The Minister also issued on the spot directions to the R&B Anantnag to start immediate snow clearance work at Margan Top and Sinthan Top so that the roads are made motorable.
The Minister further added that the department on the directions of late Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayed was already working on the upgradation of road from Margan to Marwah and for this a detailed project has been sent to the Union Government for financial assistance.
He said that the process for starting work on Dangdooru-Dachan-Marwah road was also underway and actual work would start soon.
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