Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 30: Further expanding the scope of the developmental activities and with a purpose to restore the economic activity in the remote parts of the Jammu Division JTFRP has started work on one more significant road upgradation project in Jammu.
Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed, Chief Executive Officer JKERA/JTFRP conducted an extensive tour of Reasi district for the identification of the locations where work can be started on the road up gradation of Anji-Panasa- Devi Mai- Ohli Mandir road.
Dr. Syed Abid during the site inspection of Devi Mai- Ohli Mandir road stretch which forms the part of pilgrimage –tourism circuit gave on spot instructions for the construction of public conveniences at various picturesque view points where pilgrims /tourists take stop over for enjoying the scenic natural beauty and visiting various temples enroute namely, Deva Mai Mandir, Ohli Mandir, Kol- Kandoli Mandir. The upgradtion of the road will provide the pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine from Akhnoor and Poonch with a shorter alternative route and thus give a major boost for the creation of additional livelihood opportunities for local people in tourism and travel sector.
Anji-Panasa road stretch of the road passes through the villages Seela, Panasa, Dassanu, Pabbar, etc where residents are primarily associated with the agriculture and allied economic activities like cultivation of Rice, Maize and vegetables and the upgradation of the road will provide them with an improved access to markets for faster marketing of their perishable agricultural produce in the nearby markets.
CEO,JKERA/JTFRP was informed by Tarsem Lal, Project Manager, Transport, JKERA,Jammu that the work on the integrated road package in Reasi district is estimated to cost Rs 16.04 crores.
Dr.Abid directed the engineers and contractors to ensure that the work be completed well within the stipulated timeline of 15 months to prevent cost overruns on the project and also directed that all the environmental and resettlement issues be taken due care of while executing work on the project and reiterated his instructions for adhering to SOPs like social distancing and health and hygiene measures for prevention against the COVID-19 Pandemic.