Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 24: Minister for Roads & Buildings and Mechanical Engineering, Abdul Majid Wani, on Wednesday conducted an extensive tour of various parts of Kathua district and inspected developmental works being executed by R&B Department in the district.
During the tour, the Minister visited Mangloor, Jathana, Dhanni, Jakhole and Billawar besides addressing a series of public meetings.
Minister of State for Cooperative, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma and MLC, Subash Chander Gupta accompanied the Minister.
At Mangloor, the Minister inspected the construction work on bridge coming up over Tarnah Nallah at Manglor-Bakhta road at an estimated cost of Rs. 17. 18 crore.
Addressing the gatherings, the Minister said that expansion of better road network to every nook and corner of the State is on top priority of the Government. He said with the completion of this project dozens of villages of the areas will get better roads and subsequently provide alternative route connecting to National Highway.
Wani expressed satisfaction over the progress on construction work on the bridge and directed the executing agency to further expedite the pace of work on the project ensuring its timely completion. He assured the executing agency and the contractor a suitable reward if the project is completed before the fixed time.
He said that the habitations with less than 500 population would be provided road connectivity under PMGSY for which the State has 1100 projects.
The Minister directed the concerned authorities to engage retired revenue officials for assessing the quantum of compensation of land coming under PMGSY road projects.
At Jakhole, the Minister announced Rs. 5 lakh for construction of Jakhole-Mahanal Shiv Mandir road. He directed the concerned for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPRs) for construction of Jakhole-Jathana road and bridge over Ujh river.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Manohar said several road projects have been taken in hand to strengthen road connectivity in the State during the regime of present Government. He said the this bridge will greatly help the area which remains cut-off during the rainy season.
MLC, Subash Chander Gupta, also announced Rs. 5 lakh for construction of Jakhole-Mahanal Shiv Mandir road.
On the occasion, the locals projected several demands which included shingling and mettling of Chintpurni road, construction of culverts over local nallahs, adequate water supply, upgradation of Jakhole school and Dayala Chak- Shella road.
Among others, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Jatinder K Singh, Managing Director, JKPCC, T R Bhagat, Chief Engineer, PMGSY, Sheikh, SSP, Kathua, Mohan Lal, ACR, Dr. Arun Manhas besides other officers of district administration accompanied the Minister.
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