Excelsior Correspondent
Udhampur, Apr 11: A 65Ft span bridge constructed under Project Rahat by District Administration, Udhampur, in Thakur Sui Nallah of Panchayat Muttal in Tikri block which connects the areas with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, apart from providing connectivity to schools, hamlets, anganwadi centers, ration depots, was dedicated to public today.
Brand Ambassador of Project Rahat and noted bollywood actor Mukesh Rishi visited Muttal and witnessed the commissioning of bridge with hundreds of students and parents in participation. Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Asstt Commissioner Development Joginder Singh Rai and senior officers of district administration were present.
Mukesh Rishi interacted with students, parents, anganwadi workers, teachers, panchayat members, nomads, elderly women and specially abled persons who will be benefitted by this bridge for providing round the year connectivity and safety of life as well as facilitating education in schools. Locals apprised Mukesh Rishi about death of 2 persons a couple of years back due to flashfloods and necessity of such bridges on rivulets having huge catchment area.
Rishi appreciated the marvellous initiative of District Administration under Project Rahat for construction of 114 bridges in Phase-I & II in a very short span of time through community mobilisation of local resources providing connectivity to hundreds of schools and villages which will boost education and also will go a long way in saving and securing human lives and livestock.
He vowed to support the initiative as a national success example for empowerment of rural communities through participatory vital asset building.
The bridge will benefit 250 households comprised of a population of more than 1200; it will provide connectivity to 1 school and one anganwadi centre, and will facilitate movement of more than 1180 livestock population apart from connecting 2 ration depots. It also connects Muttal Panchayat with Ladda-C panchayat. Centuries old route of pilgrims to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shine from this area has been augmented with construction of this bridge.
More than 114 bridges are at various stages of construction under convergence of MGNREGA, DIF, MPLADS, CDF, DIF, District Plan, TSP, SCP, Untied Grants, Rural Resources; with greater community participation. Phase-III comprised of 37 bridges is scheduled to be launched later this week.
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