Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 20: Divisional Commissioner, Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, today chaired a meeting to review the status of projects being executed under Swadesh Darshan at Octroi Post to promote Suchetgarh Border Tourism.
Deputy Commissioner, Rajeev Kumar Ranjan, Director Tourism Smita Sethi, Director Rural Development Department R.K Bhat, SSP Traffic Nisha Nathyal, SSP Security Ashok Sharma, SDM RS Pura Naresh Kumar, Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Rajan Mengi, officers of concerned departments and representatives of executing agency were present in the meeting.
The Divisional Commissi-oner was informed that various works have been undertaken in Suchetgarh including construction of multipurpose hall with souvenir shops and cafeteria, restoration of pre-independence railway platform in frontier express theme cum Museum and gallantry gallery, construction of security cabins, development of gender based toilets with changing rooms, tourist vehicle parking lot, construction of pathways and landscaping, establishment of rain water harvesting, filtration plant, overhead reservoir and solid waste management plant besides installation of eco awareness information signages.
He directed the executing agency to speed up the pace of works and complete the prestigious project within the fixed timelines. He enquired about the status of approach road to Octroi Post and was informed that first phase of four-lanning of approach road having a length of 6.8 km would be done at the cost of Rs. 15 crore.
The Divisional Commissi-oner directed RDD to impose complete ban on use of polythene bags and ensure proper disposal of solid waste generated due to regular tourist visits.
He asked the Education Department to take students on recreational tours to Suchetgarh, Mubark Mandi and other heritage sites so that they know about their rich culture and heritage.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner chaired a meeting to discuss the issues related to Jammu migrants for their comfortable stay in the migrant camps at different locations.
The Divisional Commissioner enquired about the status of ration supply, repair and renovation of dilapidated NHPC quarters at Talwara, release of relief benefits among the beneficiaries and reconstitution of Screening Committee for registration benefits to Jammu migrants.
Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, (Migrants) M.L Raina, officers of Relief Organization and representatives of various Jammu migrant bodies were present in the meeting.
The representatives submitted a memorandum of demands to Divisional Commissioner including bifurcation of ration cards as per Kashmiri migrants, inclusion of new born babies and issuance of PRC and RBA certificates among Jammu migrants, timely distribution of ration and cash assistance and repair of damaged quarters.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned to timely distribute cash assistance and ration supply among the migrant families as majority of them are dependent on what Government provides them. He further asked them to consider the option of distributing among the migrants as per their eating habits.