JAMMU/UDHAMPUR, Nov 21: Minister for Forests & Social Welfare, Mr Bali Bhagat today kick-started the blacktopping work of 2.25 kms road length involving a cost of Rs 70 lakh at Dream City in Muthi-Darmal area of Raipur Domana constituency.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said all the link roads in the Raipur-Domana constituency will be blacktopped within next couple of months for which tenders have already been floated. He said the quality of blacktopping will be as per new specifications and all newly upgraded roads shall be maintained by the contractors for the next three years. The latest mechanism has been put in place to ensure longevity of road infrastructure and to accountability of the executing agencies.
The Minister directed the engineers to monitor the progress and quality of works personally and ensure completion of the same in stipulated time-frame. He said the funds have already been earmarked for all the roads identified for blacktopping. He said the blacktopping of 28-km Jammu-Akhnoor road is already in progress and is likely to the completed within next couple of weeks. He said being most trafficable road, the Centre has already approved the Jammu-Akhnoor road for 4-lanning and work will start after clearing various bottlenecks. The widening of this vital link between Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch-Srinagar via Mughal road will provide best alternate option to the people for visiting to Kashmir, besides it will also facilitate hassle-free travel of pilgrims visiting Sudh Mahadev, Budha Amarnath and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi via Reasi, said the Minsiter.
Several prominent citizens, Sarpanchs, Panchs and office bearers of BJP of the Raipur Domana, including Mr Omi Khajuria, Mr Ved Parkash Sharma and engineers of R&B Department were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Mr Bhagat accompanied by Minister of State for Finance, Mr Pawan Gupta during his visit to Udhampur the other day identified the spot for developing City Forest (Environment Park) at Gangera Udhampur. The Minister directed the concerned officers to finalize the project and submit it for funding.
Both the Ministers also visited the office of the DFO, Udhampur and took stock of the infrastructural needs. In view of the oldest structure which was built about a century ago, the Minister directed the concerned authorities to formulate a proposal for re-construction of the complex on modern lines. He called for making optimum use of the space available to meet the enhanced needs.
Principal Secretary Forests, Mr. R.K. Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. A.K. Singh and other senior officers of the Forest Department also accompanied the Ministers.
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