With blessings of Lord Shankar, KPs will return to Kashmir
*Construction likely to be completed in 4-5 years
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Feb 16: National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is ready with preliminary report on construction of road project connecting holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji from Pahalgam-Panjtarni-SangamTop-Baltal and the project could be approved this year itself and completed in next four to five years.
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This was stated today by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha while addressing the gathering at Maha Shivratri fair at Jagti migrant camp in Nagrota.
“The Government of India’s NHIDCL has completed preliminary report on construction of Pahalgam road to Panjtarni, Sangam Top and Baltal connecting holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji, (located at the height of 13,000 feet from sea level). I’m confident that the project will be approved this year and construction will be completed in next 4-5 years,” Sinha said.
Once the road is built, pilgrims from across the country and Jammu and Kashmir will be able to visit and pay obeisance at the cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas, he said.
“There was an unfortunate incident during the yatra last year. I myself visited the yatra route. I have tried and I am confident that (Amarnath) route can be constructed the way the road for the Char Daam Yatra has been constructed,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the route would start from Pahalgam via Panjtarni and Sangam top to Baltal.
Meanwhile, in a brief chat with media persons, the Lieutenant Governor while responding to a query on return of Kashmiri migrants to their homes and hearths in the Valley, said: “I think you will see that day with the blessings of Lord Shankar”.
“Jammu and Kashmir Government always stands by you. Your safety is our top priority and we are taking all possible measures to ensure that. This is the commitment of the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said addressing the migrants.
Asserting that the Kashmiri migrants have suffered a lot for three long decades, the Lieutenant Governor said the day will come when you will return to your homes with honour.
“I hope with your return, Kashmir will find its lost glory, he added.
Keeping in view Maha Shivratri festival, full salaries of all PM Package and other minority community employees who have resumed their duties in Kashmir, have been released, he said.
Sinha said earlier it was difficult to get land for construction of 6000 dwellings but now land has been identified and except for two sites, the work is in full swing. While 1200 dwellings will be handed over by April, 2500 more will be given by December, he added.
An official handout said: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the 3-day long Mahashivratri Mahotsav at Jagti Colony and Migrant Camp Buta Nagar.
In order to facilitate Kashmiri Pandit community in camps & non-camp areas, Relief Organisation has brought together 20 Line Departments for the Mahashivratri Mahotsav.
Extending the greetings of Mahashivratri in advance, Sinha said the festival is the celebration of Kashmiri culture & the spiritual-cultural heritage of the country.
“It is the symbol of our ancient values and ethos. Kashmiri Pandit brothers & sisters living in different parts of the country & the world have kept this tradition alive,” he added.
“Mahashivratri or Herath is the most important festival of Kashmiri Pandits & festivity has been aptly named ‘Waliv Samav- Let’s Come Together’ to celebrate & seek divine blessings of Lord Shiva. This is a welcome step by the Relief and Rehabilitation department,” said the Lt Governor.
Our festivals are also the source of self-awakening. I pray to Lord Shiva for the happiness, prosperity, good health and well-being of all, said the Lt Governor.
He also highlighted the initiatives of the administration for extension of seamless public service delivery to Kashmiri Pandit community at their doorsteps.
All the issues of the Migrant Kashmiri Pandit community are being taken up for their resolution with utmost sensitivity, Sinha said.
Special Governance Camp is a testimony to our commitment for welfare of Kashmiri Pandit Community. The Department of Relief and Rehabilitation and other line departments are ensuring 100% saturation of the benefits of all social security schemes, entrepreneurship development schemes and skilling programs, he added.
“The Lt Governor urged all the members of the Kashmiri Pandit community to avail the benefits of the special camps. Administration is always ready to resolve all the genuine issues. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure that your problems & grievances are resolved promptly and effectively,” he further added.
Beneficiaries identified for various schemes during Special Governance Camp on 4th February were also handed over aids and authority letters on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways has assigned the construction of the ‘Sheshnag Tunnel’ on the Khanabal-Baltal section of NH-501 to the NHIDCL.
The NHIDCL has invited Request for Proposals (RFP) and the bidding was due to start from February 13. The due date for bidding is February 20.
“The focus that should have been paid to Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage was not paid earlier due to some reasons. But, I won’t go into that. This time when yatra starts, half of the portion of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) office at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar will be ready”, Sinha said, adding that it will be fully constructed by next year.
It will have capacity to accommodate 3000 pilgrims and will have replica of Lord Shankar, Shiva temple and Skill Development Centre, he announced.
He also announced construction of two more Yatri Niwas—one at Baltal and another ahead of Walnut Factory at Chanderkote. One Yatri Niwas was made operational at Chanderkote in Ramban last year, he pointed out.
Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; KK Sidha, Commissioner, Relief & Rehabilitation and other senior officers were also present.
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