Excelsior Correspondent
NAGROTA, June 28: Describing the upcoming Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) as a major stride towards transformation of Nagrota as an institutional hub, National Conference Provincial President and MLA Devender Singh Rana today exuded confidence about his vision of converting the constituency into Nava Jammu is fast becoming a reality.
“We have the prestigious IIM, the Craft Institute and our constituency qualifies for the AIIMS, given its strategic location on the National Highway and proximity to the capital city”, the MLA Nagrota said during his visit to the construction site of IIT at Jagati while reviewing the progress with senior executives of the executing agency.
The MLA was briefed by N. K Bansal, Superintending Engineer, CPWD about the project and told that the 500-capacity Boys Hostel of the IIT would be commissioned on August 3 this year. The first batch of 120 students is being lodged in the hostel on double sharing basis. Besides, a transit campus is currently apace at a cost of Rs 90 crores. The overall project cost of the IIT is Rs 1,200 crores, Rana was told.
He expressed satisfaction over the pace of construction and urged the engineers to take extra care of aesthetic and environmental aspects of the project. He sought time bound completion of the remaining works of the IIT complex, saying that its operationalisation will go a long way in shaping the destiny of young people.
Among others, A K Singh and R S Garv, Assistant Engineers CPWD, Jaipal Nagar, JE and Gurmeet Singh Contractor of the Project were also present. Besides, CRPF Bn Commandant Nagrota Surinder Rana was also present on the occasion.
Rana said that Nagrota constituency has all the ingredients of becoming a pride sports cum institutional hub besides a modern residential township. In this context, he referred to the initiatives taken as representative of the constituency for the past two and half years.
Interacting with residents of the area, who had assembled at the IIT site in Jagati, Rana said the vastness of open landmass, scenic splendour, tourism-cum-adventure spots and above all its strategic importance as gate-way to world renowned Mata Vaishno Devi and tourism-rich Kashmir Valley opens up vistas of opportunities for the constituency. “The only need is to harness these in productive manner”, he said and stressed the need for an innovative approach in remodelling Nagrota’s potential, on the analogy of similar successful experiments made in Delhi, Mumbai and other cities of the country.
The MLA referred to the upcoming IIM in the area and said the constituency is already privileged to have Jammu’s mega golf-course in Sidhra. “Given these landmarks, there is need for flagging this constituency as an institutional hub”, he stressed.
Responding to the issues raised by the locals, Rana said that he has already taken up with the management of the IIT and the IIM for engagement of the work force in construction and allied jobs so that they earn their livelihood in dignified manner. This, he hoped, will generate a sense of belonging among the locals of the constituency and give impetus to the economy of the entire constituency.