KISHTWAR : Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad today sought Rs 750 crore help from the Centre to complete ongoing road projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr Azad, who accompanied Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, after laying foundation stone for Ratli Hydro Electric Project here at Dharabshala said, “There are shortcomings in the area regarding connection with accessibility and during a survey conducted by him as former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister about the availability of road communication it was found to be only 5 per cent, the lowest in the country”.
” Though under PMGSY road connectivity, this area is being attended holistically, yet there is need of Rs 750 crores to complete the ongoing road projects”, Mr Azad said.
He also referred to the recent earthquake in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts and sought philanthropic package from the Union Government for the people of earthquake-hit areas so that they could construct their houses before the onset of winter.
Highlighting the benefits of Ratli HEP, the Union Minister said that it would enhance the economic activities in the area.
While presenting resume of the backwardness of erstwhile Doda District, Mr Azad said it was for this reason that during his tenure as Chief Minister of the state, Doda district was bifurcated into three districts under a historic decision.
He, however, also highlighted the potential of Chenab Valley regarding generation of Hydro electricity and referred to some projects in the area launched and inaugurated by Late Indira Gandhi and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. (AGENCIES)
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