Rs 17.87 cr earmarked for channelization of Channi Himmat drainage: Bhalla

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 18: Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture, Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla today said that Government has earmarked Rs. 17.87 crore for channelization of existing primary drains and including construction of Housing Colony Barsati nallah new secondary drains in Channi Himmat under JKUSDIP package.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering at Channi Himmat Sector-1 after inspecting 3287 meter long R1, R2 and R3 deep drain at Channi Himmat Housing Colony, here today.
Mr. Bhalla asked the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) to use quality material on the development works which are under progress on war-footing in the locality.
The Minister further informed that Government has prepared a detailed project report of Rs. 65 crore for channelization and modernization of Barsati nallahs of Sunjwan, Bathindi and Gangyal, adding that all the codal formalities under the project have been completed for early start of the project.
Listing the measures taken by the Minister for providing improved basic amenities to the people of Channi Himmat, Mr. Bhalla said Government has spent Rs. 90 lakh under Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board funding for upgradation including macadamization of internal link roads of Sector-5, 6, and 7.
Mr. Bhalla said development of Housing Colonies in urban as well as in rural areas of the State was receiving main focus of the Government. He said the colonies would be developed on modern lines with all basic amenities like safe drinking water, road connectivity, electricity, parking, play field, super bazaar and recreational parks.
The Minister informed that JKHB has approved Rs. 3.50 crore for creation of health club, swimming pool and tug shop besides a recreation centre facilities on the available land near the Green Belt Park in Channi Himmat Sector-1, adding that the project is under progress.
Mr. Bhalla asked the JKHB officers to prepare the inventory of Housing Board assets besides available land across the state, adding that Government is planning to develop new housing colonies across the State under new master plan under self financing schemes. He stressed the need to put the assets of the board to best use and revenue generation.
The Minister said development of Housing Colonies in urban as well as in rural areas of the State was receiving main focus of the Government. He said the colonies would be developed on modern lines with all basic amenities like safe drinking water, road connectivity, electricity, parking, play field, super bazaar and recreational parks.