Minister for Rural Development Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq, today said that better road connectivity in rural areas is vital for socio-economic transformation of people.The Minister made these remarks during his tour of the Kupwara district during which he laid foundation stones of various developmental projects here today.During his visit to the district, he laid foundation stone of 7-kiolmetres long Sogam-Thanduusa road being constructed under PMGSY at the cost of Rs 7.54 crore.The road was a long pending demand of the people of the Lolab valley and will connect dozens of villages with Sogam.He also laid foundation stone of 13 kilometres long Inderbugh-Gonghbug-Chandigam road being constructed under PMGSY at the cost of Rs 12.45 crore.The road will benefit more than 10000 people who had to walk several kilometers on foot to reach the nearest motorable road.He directed the officials to expedite work on the road so that the same could be thrown open for the public at the earliest.
The Minister also announced to adopt Girls’ Higher Secondary School Sogam and stated that the schools will be developed on modern lines and shall include smart classes and upgraded libraries and laboratories for students.He also took round of the libraries, laboratories, class rooms and interacted with the school authorities and students. He also directed for construction of boundary wall and fencing around the school, besides construction of a tiled path for the institution On students demand, the Minister directed the district authorities to direct local transport service providers to run a special bus service from Kupwara to Sogam in the morning and evening for the convenience of female students of the area.During the detailed tour of the Lolab valley, Abdul Haq inspected various under-construction projects in the constituency and directed the officials to expedite work on these projects and complete them within the stipulated time. He directed officials of R&B to start patch work on Wavoora-Sogam road immediately and further directed them to prepare a DPR for parallel byepass from Kupwara to Lolab.
He assured the residents of Gangbugh that the work on PHE Mechanical Scheme will start from next week.He said that the Government is keen to ameliorate the socio-economic condition of the people in rural areas through various developmental initiatives with focus on improving road connectivity.The Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti several innovative initiatives have been taken to transform the developmental profile of the State. He said the functioning of the Government has been made accountable and transparent, with the aim that the benefits of the Government schemes reach to the masses well in time.DC Kupwara GM Dar, ACD Kupwara Tanveer Ahmad, Xen’s and officers of R&B, PMGSY, RDD and district officials accompanied the Minister.