Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 16: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla today conducted an extensive tour of Azad Nagar, Doongian, Sagar Mohalla and Vidyata Nagar of Bathindi and Sunjwan areas and reviewed the progress made by Town Drainage, Urban Environmental Engineering (UEE) and Roads and Buildings (R&B) Departments in removing the debris from the choked nallahs in these areas.
Mr. Bhalla asked the line department officers to first remove debris from those nallahs which have been clogged on the level of road and pass through various basties. He asked them to complete the works well before the start of rainy season, adding that last year, the inhabitants of these localities were badly affected due to flash floods.
The Minister said for this purpose the Government has earmarked Rs. 37 lakh for restoration of breaches and construction of concrete nallah embankments. He informed that the Government has submitted a proposal to Central Government under ADB loan-2 for upgradation of Landoi Choi nallah at Bathindi passing through Sunjwan, Deeli and Trikuta Nagar areas, adding that after getting approval from GOI, the nallah would be modernized all along these localities.
Mr. Bhalla asked the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) to immediately start the laying of crates along the embankments of the nallah, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 12 lakh. He asked the PDD and PHE departments to shift public utilities along the nallah and install the same at a suitable place so that the executing agencies do not face any inconvenience while removing the debris.
Mr. Bhalla assured the people that all their genuine demands and development needs would be fulfilled in a phased manner, adding that there was no constraint of funds in providing adequate basic amenities to the people of all the three regions of the state. He said people’s cooperation was imperative to make the State a prosperous one. He asked the people to extend their whole hearted cooperation to the Government for maintaining peace and prosperity in the State.
Earlier, the Minister laid foundation stone of playfield at Government Higher Secondary School, Sunjwan. The project would be constructed with the facilities of pavilion, change room, drinking water and toilet block on 35 kanals available land at a cost of Rs. 80 lakh in the school premises.