Chairman Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali today said that the present dispensation is making sincere and concerted efforts for the progress and prosperity of Kargil district, and work is being done efficiently to move the district further.The Chairman stated this while interacting with a number of public deputations during his extensive visit of Sankoo and Suru blocks of the district here today.The Chairman said developmental projects are being executed in all blocks to ensure composite development of the district as a whole, besides schemes worth crores of rupees are undertaken on priority basis in less developed and unattended areas.Acknowledging the need for collective and overall development of the district to realize its full developmental potential, the Chairman assured people concerted initiatives by the State Government to accelerate the region’s progress. The Chairman said that the economy of the district will grow only when it is ensured that provision of basic amenities such as education, health, water and roads for the people is made available at their doorsteps and the Government is keenly pursuing this goal.
Haji Anayat said that the provision of basic amenities to all, particularly those living in far flung and hilly areas is the priority of the Government. He said that a massive development plan has been formulated to achieve it so as to facilitate people across the district.The Chairman said that seven major projects involving construction of motorable and span bridges, improvement and upgradation of roads and other related works under CRF and NABARD is in full swing at a cost of Rs 108 crore. He further informed that the projects worth Rs 506 crore for construction, macadamization, improvement, blacktopping and upgradation of roads under the same schemes stand submitted to the government for sanctioning.Referring to road projects under PMGSY, Haji Anayat said that work on 15 schemes in underway involving a cost of Rs 88 crore, besides for the upgradation of 22 roads projects at a cost of Rs 227 crore have been submitted and are waiting for the approval.The Chairman said that a number of imambaras, shrines, gompas and other ancient religious relics in the Suru Valley and other areas shall be developed under the development of Buddhist and Sufi Circuit scheme under PMDP. The scheme, he added also includes shrine of Islamic missionary Syed Mir Hashim at Karpo Khar and the historical mosque nearby, shrine of Sheikh Hamza at Faroona, shrine at Khaos Panikhar, and the Imambaras at Suru and Tikat.
Haji Anayat said that several steps are being taken up by the Government for expediting transport infrastructure development works to make Suru Valley conveniently accessible to tourists and pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra. He said adding that a comprehensive project to popularize the areas including Shapath Nallah, Maitreya Buddhist Statue at Karpokhar, Nun Kun peaks and other scenic spots in the valley is under pipeline. The Chairman said that a helipad besides huts and cafeteria shall be constructed at Shapath Nallah so as to enable tourists to have an aerial view of the area.The Chairman said that the Government is also in the process of exploring possibilities for the construction of Kishtwar-Panikhar-Kargil Road to give boost to tourism in the area and to facilitate Amarnath Yatra through the route. The Chairman said that under KREDA, DPR preparation of 12 small hydro projects of 23.5 MW capacity worth Rs 230 crore are under process, work on which is expected to be kick started by August- September, 2018.The Chairman said that the completion of these projects would usher in a new era of unprecedented progress and development in the district.
Meanwhile, the people delegations put forth a number of grievances and demands which included the establishment of Degree College, Tehsil Information Center, Fire Service Station, Taxi and Mini Bus Stand and Solar Power Plant at Sankoo, opening up of tailoring centers for ladies, relocation of HT lines, construction of community halls, up gradation of schools and health centers, construction of snow and flood protection bunds, deployment of doctors and paramedics in sufficient numbers, funds for compound walling of community halls and other related demands.The Chairman assured the delegations that all their genuine demands would be considered on priority and steps for fulfillment would be taken in a phased manner.He assured locals of providing funds out of his CDF for purchase of sewing machines and other requisite necessities for women SHGs in the area, construction of the compound walling of community hall at Printee Panikhar, besides the execution of other development works and provision of basic amenities.While assuring the peoples delegation to ensure smooth provision of all basic amenities to them during winter months, the Chairman said that the concerned officers have already been directed to take requisite steps in this regard.
Highlighting several welfare programmes and schemes to bring a healthy change in the living condition of poor and needy, the Chairman exhorted upon the officers to work with missionary zeal and enthusiasm besides making concerted efforts in ensuring the fact that benefits of State and centrally sponsored schemes reach to the targeted population without fail.The Chairman while directing the officers for personally monitoring all the ongoing projects asked them to adopt proactive approach in execution and planning of the projects so that they can be completed in given time frame and benefiting the people of the area.Meanwhile, the local people welcomed the Chairman and appreciated him for personally visiting the area to take first hand appraisal of their issues and grievances.