Minister for Works, Naeem Akhtar today announced creation of a separate works division to expedite upgradation of Kargil-Zanaskar national highway.Highlighting the urgency of expediting work on Kargil-Zanaskar highway, the Minister said that it will usher a new era of economic development in the area. He asked Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil to set up joint teams of Revenue and PWD departments in order to remove bottlenecks in this regard.The Minister during his extensive tour of Kargil district launched various developmental projects in the desert district. He was accompanied by Chairman Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali, CEC LAHDC Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, Vice Chairman KVIB Peerzada Mansoor Hussain and Executive Councilor for Rural Development Aga Syed Hassan Armaan Moosavi and officers of teh District Administration and R&B Departments.The Minister inaugurated a PWD Rest House at Yurbaltak in Sodh block built at a cost of Rs 85 lakh.The Minister said to improve the quality of roads in the district a project for patching, renewal and macadamization of roads in Kargil town and peripheries would be sanctioned in due course of time.
He also announced 2 dozers for district to ease snow clearance operations during the winter months.Earlier the Minister chaired a meeting of the officers and engineers of Public Works Department Kargil and reviewed the progress on the ongoing works in the district.During the meeting the Minister also took stock of the works being executed under the District Plan besides the up gradation, renovation of existing and new development projects under CRF, NABARD, 13 FC, PMGSY and other allied Central and State level schemes. He directed the concerned officers to ensure time-bound completion of the projects and set deadlines for completion of several projects.Highlighting the importance of timely completion of projects in a snow bound area where the working season is limited, the Minister asked the engineers to follow timelines strictly and speed up expenditure so that the targets are achieved in an efficient and satisfactory manner. He also directed the officers of Public Works Department to enlighten the Finance Department about the status of the pending bills in treasury at the end of every month so as to ensure a well-organized expenditure system.The Minister said to facilitate and encourage local unemployed youth to set up their business units Khadi and Village Industries Board office complex is coming up in the district at a cost of Rs 70 lakh, adding he said that credit with 35 percent subsidy component will be provided to the aspiring youth to start up their business ventures.
During the visit, the Minister laid foundation for strengthening and upgradation of road from Lotsum to Tacha being constructed at a cost of Rs 13.20 crore under CRF. The Minister praised the contractor for speedy work which is set to be completed a year ahead of schedule.At Bodhkharboo the Minister inaugurated an auditorium constructed at a cost of Rs 80 lakh. He said the auditorium will provide a platform for youngsters of the area to practice and showcase their talent.The Minister also participated in the grand opening ceremony of Sangnak Chundum Gompa at Bodhkharboo, where a cultural programme was also organized. The Minister also inaugurated a community hall at the monastery built at a cost of Rs 5 lakh.The Minister also visited Pashkum where he announced that the area will be included in BADP works for speeding up the development in the border area.At Shargole the Minister announced that the government will work on a special tourism package for the area to tap its huge tourist potential. The Minister said that all the issues like construction of circular road, restoration of flood affected land will be undertaken at the earliest.The Minister also visited Tourist Bungalow at Mulbekh where he interacted with the people who apprised him of their problems like lack of link roads, damaged bridges etc.At Khangral, the Minister said that the lack of mobile connectivity in the area will be addressed soon with the construction of a mobile tower.