Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology Choudhary Lal Singh today said that connecting rural areas with the towns through better roads would help in boosting the socio-economic status of the people.The Minister said this on the conclusion of his two-day extensive tour to Basohli area in Kathua district here. The Minister said that development is imperative and is related at improving the socio-economic condition of the people through appropriate social, political and economic initiatives.“ Communication (particularly road communication) is an important component and a common tool used for development. This is even more so in a global economy where economic opportunities have been increasingly related to the mobility of people and goods,” Mr Singh said while inaugurating several road projects in Basohli constituency. The projects are to be undertaken by Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj under scheme MGNREGA and 14th FC in convergence mode.He said the construction work of road from Tridwan to Choie and Upper Dhanore to Choie and construction of Lane Drain at Upper Barni and from Shiv Mandir to Peer Baba both at Panchayat Dhanna, construction of link road from Basholi road to Karyali at panchayat Dhanore would be taken up on priority basis.The Minister said that strengthening road connectivity is the priority of the Government under which linking far flung areas will get a fillip in a phased manner. He said it is the collective responsibility of the people to take care of public assets as they are made for their convenience. He added that not only roads but drains also are important in proper maintenance of roads. The Minister directed PWD to take into account the need of drains and embankments.
Meanwhile several deputations from village Dhanna, Dhanore, Tridwan, Choie and Basantpur apprised the minister about problems being faced by them which mainly pertained to lack of drinking water, houses under IAY, poor road connectivity, release of widow and old age pensions.
The Minister gave patient hearing to the deputations and assured them of early redress of their grievances. He directed AEE PHE, Kathua to restore the water supply in the affected areas at the earliest. He also directed ACR Kathua to provide a list of people so that their name can be included for benefit under Housing for all scheme.Earlier, the Minister visited Government High School at village Dhanore, Zone Lakhanpur of Kathua and directed CEO Kathua to construct 3 additional classrooms besides repair and renovation of the existing structure. He also directed CEO Kathua to level the school ground so that better sports facilities can be provided to the students. While visiting Government Girls Primary School, Dhanore, the minister directed CEO Kathua to construct the compound wall of the Primary school at the earliest. The minister directed DFO Kathua for fencing and plantation at forest compartment 18-K of Kathua forest division besides removal of weeds from forest cover.Among other officials, ACR, ACD, BDO, CEO, XEN PWD, AEE PHE & PMGSY and DFOs accompanied the Minister during his tour.