Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, July 18: Saying that Billawar has glorious history of religious and economic activities since long, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh has maintained that the topographical beauty of Billawar, which is endowed with natural landscapes and religious shrines can be further revamped as heritage town to allure tourists to this area.
He was speaking at a public grievances camp held at Billawar today.
Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Ch. Sukhnandan Kumar was also present on the occasion.
While announcing Rs 50 lakh for the face-lifting of Billawar town, the Deputy Chief Minister said that besides other amenities, a circular road would be taken up. The initiative for restoration of the pristine glory of Billawar town will increase the tourist inflow in coming times and would give an impetus to the economic activities in the area, he added.
Terming the theft of electricity a social crime, Dr Singh said over 61% of the electricity is consumed through illegal connections resulting into huge loss to the state exchequer. He said PDD will soon launch a campaign against the illegal users of electricity to curb the menace of power theft. He appealed the people to legalize their connections and use electricity judiciously and help the Government to improve the power scenario in the State. He said the State Government spends substantial portion of the overall budget on the purchase of electricity from other States and in return gets not even half of the amount spent from the consumers. He informed that the target of 100% rural electrification will be taken up vigorously perused under the Deendayal Upadhaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), a flagship programme of Government of India,.
Responding to the demand of full scale CAPD ration, Dr Singh said that Central Government has approved the fresh quota of ration to the state as per 2011 census, under which 50 lakh metric tons of ration will be available and would address the problem on this account. He also assured that Critical Care Ambulance will soon be provided to Sub District Hospital, Billawar to facilitate patients while shifting to various destinations.
Dr Singh said the demands of upgrading Ramkote and Bhaddu towns will examined appropriately as both the towns have vast catchment area and population.
Ch. Sukhnandan while addressing the gathering said that Government has earmarked a provision of Rs. 75 lakh under Flood Control sector for undertaking several protection works, Rs. 3.76 crore for improvement of irrigation facilities and Rs. 4.54 crore for upgradation of different PHE schemes in the area during the current fiscal.
The PHE Minister also announced 26 new hand pumps for uncovered habitations of Billawar constituency to overcome the water scarcity. He issued necessary directions to pace up the repair of existing hand pumps installed at different locations in the Billawar area.
Director Local Bodies Jammu K. L Khajuria informed that DPR of proposed Bus Stand has been finalized and process of land acquisition is in process.
A deputation of Sukrala village demanded construction of Sukrala-Machedi road, inhabitants of Parnala demanded road connectivity in Ward No 6, Tilla deputation projected demand for Passenger Shed and problem of low voltage. The Bhaddu people highlighted the incomplete works of Tourism Department under which a Community Bathroom and Historical Pond will be constructed and demanded expeditious completion of the same.
Responding to the demands, Dr Singh said the Sukrala-Machedi road project has been retendered and work would start soon. He directed the Tourism Department to submit proposal for additional funds for the completion of project.
He assured people that education, health, drinking water and electricity are priority sectors of this Government and focus attention will be given to uncovered areas besides strengthening of existing infrastructure for the convenience of the people.
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