Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Ghani Kohli today conducted extensive tour of Kalakote constituency and kick-started several developmental projects there.The Minister visited Bhindi, Kalakote and laid foundation stone of Masheer Brood Bank to be constructed at a cost of Rs 4.29 crore under centrally sponsored scheme with 80% assistance from the central government. The brood centre will be used for brooding Masheer fish.The project includes construction of hatchery, brood ponds, rearing ponds and nursery ponds besides the staff quarter.Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, the minister said that Jammu and Kashmir has tremendous scope for the development of fisheries and fish production in view of its varied climatic conditions and plenty of water resources and that the Government will make all out efforts to explore this potential fully.
The Minister asked the executing agencies to ensure the completion of construction work and its operationalization within stipulated time period as the brood centre will serves as a very useful platform for various stakeholders including fish farmers, fishermen community, besides wholesaler, retail vendors and others associated with the fisheries trade.Later, the Minister also visited Dhayala where he inaugurated Dhayala motorable bridge. He said the construction of this bridge was a long pending demand of the people of the area as this bridge will ease travelling facilities of thousands of the people of the adjoining villages.Asserting that the centre and state government are committed to fast-track development of all the regions of the State, he said special thrust is being laid on extending road connectivity to every nook and corner of the state.He said the coalition Government lead by Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti has a mission of taking the state towards peace, progress and prosperity where every citizen lives a peaceful and dignified life irrespective of caste, creed or colour.
He also highlighted the achievements of government under different sectors in the district adding that several NABARD and CRF projects have been sanctioned for the district.The Minister urged the locals to be more vigilant in checking the quality of works going on in their respective areas and contact R&B officers if any discrepancy in quality of work is found anywhere in the region. Minister also visited Teryath, Kalakote where he inaugurated Sheep extension centre constructed at a cost of Rs 27.72 lakh.The Sheep extension centre will provide veterinary coverage to about 35000 population of the surrounding areas besides providing extension services.Apart from Director Fisheries R.K.Dogra other officers who accompanied him include Director Fisheries, Additional District Development Commissioner Rajouri and Deputy Director Sheep Husbandry , District Animal Husbandry officer , Joint Director Fisheries (T), Joint Director Fisheries (Projects) Jammu and Assistant Director Fisheries Rajouri.