*Naresh stages walk-out on Chhatergalla tunnel issue
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 7: Congress Legislator Thakur Balbir Singh virtually cornered the Dy Chief Minister (Minister Incharge Power), Dr Nirmal Singh on the issue of very slow pace of work on a Grid Station at Gurha Kalyal in Billawar and staged walk out after heated arguments with the Chairman Haji Anayat Ali from the Upper House while another Congress member, Naresh Gupta lodging strong protest on Government reply over the issue of Chhattergalla tunnel on Bhaderwah-Bani-Basohli road also stated walk out today.
Balbir Singh raised the issue during Question Hour in the House. He regretted very slow pace of work on 2X50 MVA (220/33 KVA) Grid Station at Rampur near Gurha Kalyal in Billawar constituency of district Kathua.
The Cong member said that this project worth Rs 64.12 crore was sanctioned under PMDP during 2015. Three years are over, the Government released just 12 lakh and only Rs 2 lakh have been spent on this project during last three years. If this will be the progress of work, then the project cannot be completed in next ten years.
He further claimed that the PDD has acquired about 100 kanals of land at Rampur village including an old traditional pond. The land was being used by the villagers for grazing cattle but this has also been covered. He alleged that Minister incharge was the trying to befool the people. It they don’t have the intentions to raise project there, the work should be stopped there.
The Dy Chief Minister earlier, replied that a DPR for the construction of 220/33, 2X50 MVA Grid Station along with transmission line at Gurha Kalyal (Rampur), Billawar has been prepared with the cost of Rs 64.12 crore, against which Rs 12 lakh as additional amount was received from the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department under T&D. Some material has been procured against Rs 12 lakh. The matter has been taken up with the Government of India for the sanction of funds. He also claimed that acquisition of identified land for the purpose is under process. He said that project will be completed in three years subject to the availability of funds.
The member turned furious over the reply and said in last three years, only DPR was prepared and PDD has failed to get the funds sanctioned for the project from the Central Government. The Government is claiming that project will be completed in three years and three years time has already been consumed. Why they are befooling the public? The Government should provide the time frame for the completion of project. He pressed for the reply. The DyCM said as and when the funds are received, the project will be completed within three years of that period.
The member lodged his strong protest and said it was no proper response. The Chairman tried to calm down the member and snubbed him directing to sit down when he pressed for his point. The Cong member got agitated and objected why he was being scolded and snubbed by the Chairman. He said,” You can not stop me to raise the issue. It is democracy and not dictatorship. I have full right to raise my point.” Raising allegation of favouritism and ignoring opposition on Chairman, the Congress member staged walk out from the House.
On yet another question on Chhatergalla and Vailoo-Singhpora tunnel in Doda, the Congress member Naresh Gupta also staged walk out alleging that Government was giving wrong and incomplete reply.
Minister incharge R&B Naeem Akhtar was responding. He claimed that Chattergalla tunnel between Bani and Bhaderwah has not been included in the PMDP. However, MoRTH has conveyed in principle approval for declaration of Basohli-Bhaderwah-Doda including tunnel at Chhatergalla (170KM) as new National Highway, subject to the outcome of Detailed Project Report preparation. He said evaluation of financial bids for preparation of DPR for Sudhmahadev-Goha tunnel and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel were invited by NHIDCL with bid due date 10-7-2017. Three bids were received. Now financial evaluation is in progress. He also claimed that Rs 80,068 crore PM package for J&K was announced in November 2015.
Naresh Gupta said there was big confusion over PM package which roads and tunnels have been taken up. Whether they pertains to new package or old package. That should be clarified.
The Minister replied that under the above package, Rs 42,668 crore are being utilized on 19 roads/ tunnel projects including Zojila, Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch, Shopian-Qazigund and two tunnels on Manali-Leh highway.
Not satisfied with the reply of the Minister, Naresh Gupta staged walk out from the House. He said every time the same reply is given and Government was not serious on Chattergalla tunnel.
Sajjad Kichloo also raised supplementary to the main question.
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