Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh, Chairman of District Development Board Udhampur, today reviewed the physical and financial achievements under the District Plan and implementation of decisions taken in the last District Development Board meeting.Minister of State for Finance and IT, Law, Ajay Nanda, Vice Chairman State Advisory Board for Kissan Daljeet Singh Chib, Legislators Pawan Kumar Gupta, Dina Nath Bhagat, R.S. Pathania, District Development Commissioner, Ravinder Kumar besides HODs of various departments including district officers attended the meeting.Calling for need based development and quality work, Choudhary Lal Singh stressed on the utilization of allocated funds for various developmental works to the full. He informed that Government has approved Rs. 187.53.crore District Plan for the year 2017-18 for providing modern basic amenities to the people across the district including better road connectivity, adequate drinking water, health, education, power besides improved lanes and drains.
The Minister said the officers will be held accountable for implementation of all the programs and schemes under execution in their respective jurisdictions.He directed the officers of various departments to work as a team and strive for overall development of the Udhampur district. He reiterated Government’s resolve towards strict adherence to e-tendering to ensure transparency and accountability in the system so that the benefits reach the targeted populace.The Minister also directed the Forest Department to conceive innovative project for checking deforestation and maintaining ecological balance. He also stressed the need for planting good quality fruit trees in the potential areas of the district for boosting horticulture and raising the income of farming community.Earlier, District Development Commissioner, Ravinder Kumar briefed the meeting about the physical and financial progress achieved under different schemes/sectors in the district. He gave a detailed resume of achievements under PHE, PDD, PWD, PMGSY, Education and Health, Irrigation, Social Welfare and Agriculture Department.
Minister of State for Finance, IT, Planning Ajay Nanda stressed the need to expedite the construction work of tourist Sarai Panra and developing Gangera hill, Panchari and Sankri Devta site as tourist spots.MLA Ramnagar R S Pathania suggested for creating a separate Development Authority for bringing Dudu-Basantgarh on the tourism map. He said the area has huge tourism potential with many places that can act as a great attraction for the adventure and leisure tourism. He also called for exploring the possibility of developing an herbal research centre to tap the rich herbal medicines found in the forests of the area. He further demanded transformer repair workshop for Ramnagar.MLA Chenani, Dina Nath Bhagat demanded blacktopping of Chenani Pattan Garh road. He also demanded funds for Ritti Batla and Mani Water Supply Schemes besides 3.15 MVA receiving station at Sudhmahadev. He further urged for early replacement of electric poles at Chenani.