Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Jan 12: Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA Udhampur East, today kick-started a series of major development works aimed at restoring critical public utilities and strengthening the road network in Udhampur, which has suffered extensive damage due to vagaries of weather, incessant rains, and flash floods.
The MLA flagged off restoration works on the Sanote–Garh Samna–Banj road and the Rajundi–Maryala road, involving a total expenditure of Rs 4.05 crore. These roads will be fully restored, followed by additional bituminous (BT) layering to ensure durability and long-term sustainability of the restored stretches.
In another significant initiative, Pathania also initiated restoration work on the Balpur–Sundla road, to be executed at a cost of Rs 126 lakh, providing much-needed relief to residents of the area.
Later, the MLA chaired a review meeting with officers of the PHE, Irrigation, and Flood Control Departments, during which he issued firm instructions for flood augmentation works at Sattani, Kashirah Baryal, and areas around Baglamukhi Mandir, AirForce road, which are prone to repeated flood damages. He also recommended the establishment of power grids at Sattani, Battal, to improve power infrastructure.
Pathania stated that a sector-wise restoration package has been issued by the Government of India, but expressed concern that the UT administration has fallen short of meeting the aspirations of the people on the ground.
Raising the issue of 5-marla land allotments, the MLA pointed out that although the Chief Minister announced the scheme on the floor of the Assembly, only a press release regarding a Cabinet meeting has been issued so far. No Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been notified yet, and ambiguity persists regarding land allotment on forest, state, and kahcharai lands.
Expressing strong displeasure over the substandard construction work on the Roun to Ramnagar road, where the surface has already been exposed, the MLA called for a proper inquiry into the matter. He also took serious note of the road damage at Ritti, Kuh Nallah and Ramnagar town too where the road has been completely ripped apart.
Additionally, Pathania directed officials to conduct a mechanical and technical inspection of the Baba Ped Devta Bridge to ensure public safety.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were Ashish Sharma, Mohinder Sharma, Mohan Lal Sharma, Lalita Sharma (all Mandal Pradhans), Puran Chand (DDC), Jodinder, Sobe Chand, Karam Chand, and Nirmata Bali.
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