Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 10: Minister for Public Works Naeem Akhtar today informed the Legislative Assembly that construction and upgradation work on various important roads in the State is in full swing.
He was responding to a Calling Attention Notice by Vikar Rasool Wani and Abdul Majid Larmi.
Giving details, the Minister said the work on 30 kms Banihal-Mangith road and 9.20 km Khari-Sharbagni-Shagan road was hindered due to delay in forest clearance and non-acquisition of land. He said now the work is in progress and will be completed very soon subject to favourable weather conditions. He said the work on 6.30 km Shalgadi to Panchal Road and 8 km Shalgadi to Pogal road is in progress and is likely to be completed by the end of June this year.
Regarding Hewagan to Dhanmasta Road, the Minister said the work has been delayed due to non-acquisition of land as the land owners challenged the acquisition process in the High Court. He said the completion date of the road has been set as December 2018, but this is contingent on the final judgment of the High Court.
He said work on Ukhral to Bhingara road has been delayed due to non-acquisition of land and awaited forest clearance. He said balance work is under tendering process and the work will be completed in 9 months after the issuances of allotment.
Regarding Uranhall to Dangerpora road in the Himshalibugh constituency, the Minister said that 4.5 kms road is a part of Uranhall-Pazalpora scheme and approved under District Plan. He said 2.00 kms road length was metalled last year and 1.25 km this year. He said work on raising/restoration of 0.25 km is presently in progress while restoration of balance length of 1 km is under consideration during 2018-19, as per available resources.
Regarding Urnhall Boting Shamsipora road, the Minister said 3 km road has been macadamized this year while balance length of 1.50 km stands completely, restored by way of RBM/Grade-II in stretches and patches.
The Minister said Rs 35 lakh are required for providing/ laying of WBM G-III in full for a length of 3.50 km and construction of cement concrete drains forthe up-gradation of Palnoo-Noonami-Pandithpora road, while Rs 1.1 crore are also required for its macadamization. He said the work is under consideration and may be taken up during 2018-19 subject to availability of funds.