Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 11: Minister for Social Welfare, Forest, Ecology & Environment, Bali Bhagat, today said the Government is contemplating to promote forest-based industry in Jammu and Kashmir to generate revenue and create job opportunities for unemployed youth.
Maintaining that State has rich potential of forest minor produces like rare herbs, Mushrooms, Guchhis and shrubs of medicinal value which have great demand in the market, the Minister said the Government will explore all possibilities to promote these in an organized manner.
Addressing a largely attended public meeting at Barnai in Raipur-Domana constituency near here today, the Minister said PDP-BJP Coalition Government is working under a well-knit strategy to ensure peace, progress, prosperity and militancy-free state. He said the people of Kashmir and Jammu regions have given their verdict for a change, and on the basis of people’s wishes the coalition came into being, adding that the Government will make its utmost efforts to come up to the expectations of the people. He said the Government will give focused attention on strengthening the essential sectors like, education, road connectivity, health services, employment, drinking water and electricity which are closely connected with the common masses.
Reiterating his commitment to develop the Raipur-Domana as model constituency, Bhagat said he has already drawn up a plan and soon the people will see major changes on the ground. He said the process of 4-lanning of Jammu-Akhnoor road and upgradation of 15 Km stretch of Bantalab-Amb Gharota road has already begun. These two ambitious projects will provide great relief to the people. Regarding upgradation of other link roads in the constituency, the Minister said condition of 90 percent roads is very grim and their upgradation will also be taken up on priority.
Responding to the demands of the people, the Minister said that a Degree College and a Sub-District Hospitals will be set up at a central location in the Raipur-Domana constituency. He said both these institutions are badly needed and previous regimes ignored the same. He said the process of identification of land for these institutions has started and shortly he along with concerned Ministers will visit the spots to finalize sites.
Regarding construction of bridge over Nikki Tawi, the Minister said to give immediate succour to the people the Government has already ordered for a Jhoola bridge. He said the work on the concrete bridge will simultaneously be taken up.
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