Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 7: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq Khan today said that Coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is committed to provide better infrastructural facilities to the people across the State and several initiatives have been taken in this direction.
Asserting that clean and green rural areas are key to the economic growth and development of the state, he called upon the people to conserve local flora and fauna and water bodies by avoiding use of polythene and going for intensive rain water harvesting.
The Minister was addressing locals after launching plantation drive under Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) here at village Raja chak near Government Primary School Sarian Akhnoor.
Director Rural Development, Jammu M L Raina SDM Akhnoor, BDO Akhnoor, Project Officer, IWMP, District Technical Expert, Agri Expert, other senior officers of Rural Development Department, besides Sarpanchs, Panchs, and prominent persons of the area were present on the occasion.
This plantation drive has been launched under the IWMP-IV 2012-13, Sumah-Bomal project Akhnoor Block.
Pertinent to mention here that the IWMP Project for the Akhnoor Block has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 9.12 crore to cover an area of nearly 6085 hectare in five Panchayats including Raja Chak, Paingairi, Bandral khurd, Bomal and Kaink Jagir.
Abdul Haq enjoined upon the Panchayat representatives to extend their whole hearted support to achieve the objectives of the project. He also exhorted upon the officers to work in close coordination to facilitate the execution of the project in a convergence mode dovetailing MGNERGA and other schemes.
Laying emphasis on the Clean and Green Mission, the Minister said that a statewide campaign has already been launched under the title “Mera Gaon Mera Jahan” to sensitize general masses about cleanliness of individual households as well as village surroundings in a mission mode. Under the mission, different activities will be undertaken with the involvement of various stakeholders. He also appealed the people to not use polythene in rural as well as urban areas as it is hazardous for human health and environment.
Mr Khan informed that Rs 120 crore have been released to clear the pending liabilities under MGNREGA. He called upon the officers to ensure that wages in lieu of work done are paid to the Job seekers in time and transparent manner.
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