Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh Monday said that various ambitious projects are in the pipeline to bring Basohli on the development map of the State.Addressing people at a function organized in connection with the foundation laying ceremony of Lift Irrigation Scheme at Mandla, Basohli, Choudhary Lal Singh said concerted efforts are being made to develop Basohli town on modern lines for creating world class infrastructure and better amenities for the people. He said the Lift Irrigation Scheme which is coming up at an estimated cost of Rs 4.44 crore would be completed within the stipulated time to meet the requirement of the irrigation facilities in the area.During his visit to the area, Mr Singh was also informed about various developmental schemes and programmes underway in the town and other areas of Basohli constituency.On the occasion, the Minister also took stock of the road projects and directed the district administration to accelerate work on Dodla road, coming up at an estimated cost of Rs 2.84 crore.
“People should see the real development and prosperity during your tenure,” he asked the officers. “The Centre and State has released funds for various developmental projects and it is our responsibility to work for bringing positive results on the ground,” he said.The Minister also directed Divisional Forest Officer and officials of other wings of the Department of Forest to work in close tandem and show positive results on the ground. He also took stock of the nurseries and other assets of the Forest Department. He said that instructions have been issued to the officers of Forest Department to maintain and update comprehensive data regarding the forest cover across the Basohli area. He directed for taking up massive plantation drive to improve the green cover and stressed on developing ornamental and medicinal plants.
During his two-day visit to Kathua and other areas including Basohli, the Minister met several deputations who apprised him of their demands pertaining to upgradation of roads, lanes and drains, supply of drinking water, supply of ration as per scale fixed by the Government.The Minister directed the concerned officers to resolve the genuine demands of the people at the earliest so that they do not face any inconvenience. He stressed upon the officials for fulfilling the duties with dedication to improve the work culture in the Government departments, adding that officials have a major role in improving developmental scenario across the State.SDM Basohli, Devinder Sharma, ACD Kathua, DFO Basohli, besides other senior officers of RDD, R&B, Forest, PHE and PDD accompanied the Minister during his visit.