District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary today launched Phase-II of Project Rahat for construction of 58 foot bridges in various remote areas of district for connecting schools, habitations and providing connectivity of movement of livestock.Addl DC Angrez Singh Rana, Asstt Commissioner Development (Nodal Officer, Project Rahat), Block Development Officers, Technical officials, Sarpamnchs and project team members were present on the occasion.During Phase-II of the project, 58 bridges of various spans will be constructed in 41 Panchayats of 13 CD blocks which include 8 in Chenani, 1 in Dudu-Basantgarh, 2 in Ghordi, 2 in Khoon, 6 in Latti-Marothi, 1 in Majalta, 12 in Moungri, 2 in Narsoo, 6 in Panchari, 2 in Parli Dhar, 2 in Sewna, 4 in Tikri and 8 in Udhampur.
Two bridges are being constructed in MH Chowk through PWD under Project Rahat. Another 56 foot bridges upto 20 Meter span are already under construction as part of Phase-I of Project Rahat. A total of 114 bridges are being constructed during current financial year.The DDC informed that 56 bridges of Phase-I will benefit 109 Schools having an enrolment of 9323 students; will reduce distance to schools cumulatively by 92.5KM , cover 9513 families having a population of 55,196. All these bridges are at completion stage. Similarly, 58 bridges in Phase-II will benefit larger population of more than 80 odd villages and benefit around 115 schools providing round the year connectivity enabling attendance in schools.
Project Rahat was launched by District Administration in October 2015 aimed at construction of 110 bridges for schools and habitations by March 2016. After an elaborate planning the district administration pooled resources under convergence of MGNREGA, MPLADS, CDF, DIF, UGF, Special Sub-Plans, Local Bodies funds, CSR, Dev Fun, District Plan, State Plan and sponsorships from partner organizations.Detailed discussions were held with the Garam Panchayat members and technical officials regarding quality of work, timeline, community participation and other measures to be adopted during the construction of bridges. A demand of another 80 bridges to be considered for Phase-III beginning April 2016 was also discussed during the district level consultations with Sarpanchs organised along with launching of Phase-II of the project.Dr Shahid also discussed a number of developmental initiatives with representatives of panchayats and demands of presented by the representatives were included for developmental activities under the project.