Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 23: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Raman Bhalla today said that Government has earmarked Rs. 3 crore for channelization of existing primary drains and construction of new secondary drains in Channi Himmat under JKUSDIP package.
This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) officers after laying foundation of 3287 meter long R2 deep drain at Channi Himmat, here today.
Director Tourism, Soujanya Sharma, Managing Director Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board, Ram Pal Sharma besides senior officers of ERA were present on the occasion.
Mr. Bhalla said that Government has earmarked Rs. 14.87 crore for channelization of R1, R2 and R3 nallahs, adding that works on the three projects are under progress on war-footing and would be completed within stipulated time frame. He asked the ERA to use quality material on the development works, executed across the State under the sector.
The Minister further informed that Government has prepared a detailed project report of Rs. 65 crore for channelization and modernization of Barsati nallahs of Sunjwan, Bathindi and Gangyal, adding that all the codal formalities under the project have been completed for early start of the project.
Earlier, Mr. Bhalla accompanied by former vice president of PYC Ajay Tony kick started upgradation work of internal link roads, drainage and modernization of recreation parks at Channi Himmat, Sector-7. He informed that for this purpose Government has earmarked Rs. 75 lakh. He asked the executing agency Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board (JKHB) to completed all the launched projects within stipulated time frame for the benefit of general masses.
Taking serious notice on the dumping of building material on road side in Sector-7 of Channi Himmat, the Minister called upon the residents to remove building material so that the ongoing mecademisation and drainage works could not suffer. He asked the accompanied JMC officers to issue notices to those who is not willing to remove the building material from roads.
Later, Mr. Bhalla also visited Sector-5 and Sector-4 of Channi Himmat locality and inspected the progress of ongoing developed works executed by JKHB in the locality.
The Minister said that Government has earmarked Rs 90 lakh for face lifting of Sector-4 and 5 of Channi Himmat. He asked the JKHB to gear up their men and machinery in completing the proposed projects within stipulated time frame.
Later, Mr Bhalla visited Panjbaktar Mahadev temple at Residency Road, here today.
The Minister went around the temple and took stock of condition of ancient wall paintings. He asked the accompanied officers of Tourism and Culture besides members of INTAC to prepare the detailed project for revival of pristine glory of the ancient wall paintings besides idol of God and submit the same for funding.
Special Secretary Tourism and Culture Reva Kumari, Director Flouriculture K K Sharma and Executive Member INTAC Himmat Sharma accompanied the Minister.