Minister of State for Fisheries, Cooperatives, Finance and Planning Dr Manohar Lal Sharma took an extensive tour of remote villages of Billawar constituency.During his whirlwind two day tour the Minister visited Chew, Ahonag and Toya villages of block Lohai Malhar and convened Public Grievance Camps to listen to the problems of the people at their doorsteps. A warm welcome was accorded by the inhabitants to the Minister who garlanded him with the beating of drums.The representatives projected the demands regarding opening of new ration depot at Katli or Marhoon, provision for primary health centre in the area, provision for veterinary centre, construction of water tanks, up gradation of Marhoon High School, bank branch at Katli, mobile tower besides provision for road connectivity from Katli to Marhoon.Dr Manohar Lal Sharma while speaking on the occasion said that government is well aware of the difficulties of the people living in isolated stretches of far off and hilly areas. He said that priority of the government is to provide road access to these areas besides amenities like drinking water, medical facilities, school and other facilities of basic nature. He appealed the people to avail benefit of MGNREGA which not only provide employment but also help development of the respective area.
Dr Manohar Lal Sharma disclosed that a total of Rs. 13 crore has been sanctioned for Katli-Marhoon Road which he said will be a lifeline for entire Lohai Malhar block. He said the work on this vital road will commence after getting due clearance from forest department. He announced that dispensary at village Ahnog will be opened shortly. The Minister announced Rs. 1 lac for levelling of playground under CDF.Dr Sharma directed PHE department to make estimates of 1.5 km water pipe stretch upto Kaintha mohalla at the earliest. He further announced 37 electric poles for different areas of marhoon panchayat. He assured that matter of mobile signal connectivity will be taken up with concerned authorities to solve the problem. He assured the people that the demand of opening of ration depot and bank branch will be taken up very shortly.The Minister directed the BDO Lohai Malhar to make estimates of 16 water tank at different installations of this hilly terrain to ensure drinking water stockage for the people. He further directed BDO to make estimate of flooring in High School Chew. Dr Sharma also disclosed that 110 toilets will be provided to each household to stop open defecation under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan. He directed BDO to take up 2.40 lac lanes and drains work of toya village under MGNREGA immediately.