Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 22: Former Minister and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Naeem Akhtar has asked the Governor’s administration to expedite work on various development projects which have been kept in limbo in Bandipora district.
While visiting various areas of Bandipore including Aloosa, Brar, Argham, Gujarati, Garoora etc, PDP leader urged upon the administration to speed up various developmental projects in the district which were approved by the PDP led Government in the State.
Akhtar while meeting scores of public delegations pitched for the extension of Resh Kol upto Aloosa and Kuenusa, Bandipore and stated that diversion of Kishenganga has made ample water available in the stream and same can be utilized to irrigate thousands of acres of land in these areas. He said that such a measure could bring a positive change in the economy of the region and will address the issue of unemployment to a large extent.
PDP leader underscored the need for the upliftment and overall development of the Scheduled Tribes (STs) scattered across the Bandipora region. He said that the ST population in Bandipora is one of the largest in entire Kashmir Valley and therefore, needs a special focus while the Government implements the Tribal Development Plan in the State.
Extending gratitude to the Governor for sanctioning a grant for the approach road to Eklaviya School, Akhtar expressed his dismay that the construction of the actual building is yet to be initiated by the administration. He stressed for the construction of the school without further delay. He also expressed concern over the water scarcity taking a toll especially in the foothill areas and most of the villages of Bandipora.
Akhtar stated that the Dialysis machine and Thyroid analyzer worth Rs 32 lakh were approved by him out of the CDF for the district but as per the media reports officials within the Health Department are creating unnecessary obstacles in the installation process. He urged the Government to address the issue. He also stressed that the construction work on the road from Ajas to Sonarwani and from Bandipora to Athwado approved under CRF should be expedited.