JAMMU: Terming Development as priority of State Government, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Information Department, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali has said that Rs 850 crore developmental projects have been started in Darhal Assembly Constituency in past 30 months while some more are in pipe line.
Addressing various delegations of people of Darhal and Budhal here today, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said that he is happy that for the first time in history Darhal Constituency has received liberal funding from Government. ‘’We were even not given Rs 500 crore from 1947 to 2015 but in less than 3 years, we got more than Rs 850 crores worth projects’’, Zulfkar said adding that this shows the commitment of government led by Mehbooba Mufti for developing ruler areas which remained neglected in past.
Listing major projects, Zulfkar said that during 2014 election campaign, he briefed former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed about the importance of Anas Irrigation Canal project and after taking over as Chief Minister, in his first public address at Kotranka he announced Rs 100 crore funding for the project. He said that this dream project will be completed soon and it will change the fate of farmers and people of the area. The Minister said that this project was dream of his father who had envisioned better future for his people and now it will be soon realized. He added that Kotranka-Khawas road was in dilapidated condition for the past many decades and after years of wait Government sanctioned Rs 76 crore for its upgrading under Central Road Fund (CRF) and the work is in progress.
Expressing pleasure over sanctioning of Medical College in the area, Zulfkar said that Government Medical College at Mehra was a dream project and the same will be realized soon. He said that Government has released Rs 200 crore for the project and the work is in progress. He added that the government has already released Rs 15 crore for Samote Kewal Road, Rs 76 crore for Mirasi Morh-Baglaykote -Kotranka road which will be alternate link to connect the area, Rs 2.29 crore for Rajouri -Darhal road, Rs 1.23 crore for Kotdhara-Karhad road and Rs 1.7 crore for Kangar Gali to Panihad road.
He said that government was developing Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah Eco Park at Patli Qilla which will be one of the best tourism spot in the Pir panjal region. He appreciated District administration for expediting work on this prestigious project. He said that this Park will give employment to the locals and raise their income.
The Minister said that the long pending demand for release of funds for Darhal -Prori Road has been met by releasing Rs 35 Crore for the project. He said that Ujhan Bridge was under construction for last 4 decades but there was meager funding for the project. He said that he has now brought Rs 16 Crore for the project which is nearing completion. He added with its completion long pending demand for sustainable connectivity of the people of Nadian, Ujhan, Margan, Sabzian, Malhut, Dhandkote would be met. He also mentioned about Girls Tribal Hostel being constructed at Mehra adding ITI College and Amusement Park in Kotranka have already been approved. He added that besides these major projects, work on a number of small projects is also underway in the constituency.
Thanking Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for liberal funding, Zulfkar said that development is the main agenda of this government and government has proved it on ground. He added that some more projects are in pipeline which will change the fate of the people and improve their economic condition.