Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 25: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla today said that the slum basties in six districts of Jammu, Kathua, Srinagar, Anantnag, Udhampur and Baramulla would be developed with modern line facilities under Rajiv Awas Yojna (RAY), adding that in this connection Housing Department has submitted a detailed project report to Central Government for funding after conducting an extensive survey in these districts.
This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the slum dwellers during his visit to Sail Salan and Sangoor slum basties of Udhampur district, here today.
MLA, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Managing Director Housing Board Kiran Wattal, Director Horticulture Anil Kumar Sharma, Director Horticulture (P&M) A R Natnoo besides other senior officers of Revenue, Horticulture and Housing Departments accompanied the Minister.
Mr. Bhalla said Government has identified about 300 households with 5770 population residing in slum basties of Sail Salan and Sangoor villages of the district for extending benefits to them under the scheme. He assured the inhabitants that the basties would be developed with all basic amenities under RAY at par with the urban pockets .
Later, the Minister also visited Battal-Ballian and inspected 1173 kanal proposed site for establishment of Housing Colony in the area.
Interacting with the people, Mr. Bhalla informed that instructions have been issued to Housing Board for early payment of compensation to the owners whose land has been acquired for the purpose. He said Government was keen to develop new colonies as per the master plan under self financing schemes. He stressed the need to put the assets of the board to best use to generate revenue.
Earlier, the Minister inspected various Horticulture projects presently under implementation in Udhampur district.
He interacted with the fruit growers and farmers at different locations and advised them to frequently interact with the field functionaries of the department so that they can get maximum benefit of the incentives available under various state and centrally sponsored schemes presently under implementation in the State. He further advised them to adopt Horticulture in a big way as the district has huge potential and is best suited for the cultivation of different types of fruit crops.
Later, the Minister visited Fruit and Vegetable Market established at Kallar in Udhampur district and reviewed the facilities being provided by the Horticulture Planning and Marketing department to the traders.
Responding to the traders demands, Mr. Bhalla asked the officers to install street lights, besides construct drinking water reservoir with tap facilities for the convenience of traders.
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