A 65Ft span bridge constructed under Project Rahat by District Administration, Udhampur, in Thakur Sui Nallah of Panhayat Muttal in Tikri block which connects the areas with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, apart from providing connectivity to schools, hamlets, anganwadi centers, ration depots was dedicated to public today. Brand Ambassador of Project Rahat and noted bollywood actor Mukesh Rishi visited Muttal and witnessed the commissioning of bridge with hundreds of students and parents. Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Asstt Commissioner Development Joginder Singh Rai and senior officers of district administration were present on the occasion.Rishi appreciated the initiative of District Administration under Project Rahat to construct 114 bridges in Phase-I & II in a very short span of time through community mobilisation of local resources .He said that improved connectivity to hundreds of schools and villages will boost education and also will go a long way in saving and securing human lives and livestock.
He vowed to support the initiative as a national success example for empowerment of rural communities through participatory vital asset building. He said he was excited over learning about the project and after having felt the dire need of such community projects he volunteered to support the project as ambassador and reach out to masses for making them realise the real potential of rural development with projects like Rahat. The bridge will benefit 250 households comprising of a population of more than 1200; it will provide connectivity to 1 school and one anganwadi centre, and will facilitate movement of more than 1180 livestock population apart from connecting 2 ration depots. It also connects Muttal Panchayat with Ladda-C panchayat. Centuries old route of pilgrims to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shine from this area has also been augmented with construction of this bridge. More than 114 bridges are at various stages of construction under convergence of MGNREGA, DIF, MPLADS, CDF, DIF, District Plan, TSP, SCP, Untied Grants, Rural Resources; with greater community participation. Phase-III comprised of 37 bridges is scheduled to be launched later this week.