Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh today said that Gurah Salathia- the birthplace of over 56 state war heroes- will be projected as icon of patriotism of Jammu and Kashmir.The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing a huge gathering which has assembled to pay tributes to the local war heroes who achieved martyrdom while safeguarding the nation. Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Parkash Ganga and Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma were also present to pay floral tributes to the martyr soldiers.Paying rich tributes to the valiant soldiers of the state, Dr Singh said that nation is grateful to the martyrs and their families for their supreme sacrifices. He said such events link us to our roots and heritage and imbibe a sense of patriotism among the people.He further said that these heroes sacrificed their precious lives to secure the future of the nation and it becomes the responsibility of the society to take care of their families. He said government has initiated various welfare schemes to lessen the miseries of the families of war heroes.He also remembered the extraordinary deeds of Maharaja Hari Singh ji and founder of Gurha Slathian Raja Baba Hasal Dev Ji.The Dy CM also announced to establish a Municipal Committee for development of Gurah Salathia town on modern lines.
“Government has already brought all Mandies of Samba under municipal bodies and funds are being provided for development of all basic amenities in these habitations” he informed.Listing various projects launched in the state, the Dy CM said improvement of connectivity by developing vast road network has been given priority. He also referred to the completion of Vikram Chowk flyover, which was inaugurated today. “The Vikram Chowk Flyover, and proposed ring road for Jammu city will definitely end the long drawn problem of traffic congestion in Jammu city and adjoining areas”, he said.Meanwhile, Dr Singh highlighted various welfare and development schemes of the government such as UJALA, Ujwala Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padao (BBBP), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), and exhorted upon the people to take optimum benefit of these schemes for their socio-economic empowerment. He also asked the unemployed youth to come forward and avail maximum benefits of these schemes to become self–sufficient and self-reliant.
Responding to the issues raised by the Locals pertaining to the, construction of shed at cremation Ground, construction of flyover over railway crossing, the Deputy CM assured that all their genuine issues would be redressed soon. He also directed the concerned officers to take steps for beautification and preservation of the famous pond of Gurah Salathia.Chander Parkash Ganga, in his address, urged the youth to become socially aware and combat social evils plaguing the society. “Our nation has emerged after many sacrifices by young and old alike, and we should ensure that their contributions and their stories are never forgotten,” he said.He further said that government is committed to develop Purmandal and Utterbehni shrines to bring these on state’s pilgrim tourist map for giving fillip to economic activities in the area.Underlining the need to connect inaccessible habitations for achieving holistic development of the state, Jugal Kishore Sharma said that the central government is providing liberal funds to fast track the construction of roads and bridges in the area under Central Road Funds (CRF).Families of the martyrs and gallantry award winners were also honoured on the occasion.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister along with Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Parkash Ganga and Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma inaugurated the upgraded power infrastructure at Gurah Salathia completed at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.The project included installation of 100 KVA transformers at Krishannagar and Gharota Mandi, Udh Mandi, Sumbali and Padder Mandi and 250 KVA Transformers at Garh Mandi, bus stand Gurah Slathia, Sainee Mandi and Budwal Mandi. The Deputy CM also inaugurated Community Sanitary Complex at Gurah Salathia build at a cost of Rs 2 Lakh under Swachh Bharat Mission by Department of Rural Development.Among others, District Development Commissioner Samba Sheetal Nanda, SSP Samba Anil Magotra, SDM Vijaypur Ravinder Sharma, Executive Engineers PWD (R&B), PDD, officers of the district administration and various departments besides a large number of people of the area, students were present on the occasion.