Minister for Rural Development, Law and Justice, Mr Abdul Haq Khan, Tuesday said the Department of Rural Development is building a network of flood protection bunds to avert the threat of future floods.Interacting with people during his tour of Anantnag district, the Minister said the state government has learnt lessons from the September 2014 floods and steps are being taken to avert such tragedies in future.Mr Khan said the RDD has started construction of bunds in flood-prone areas under MGNREGA scheme. “We have sufficient funds available under the scheme and a strong protection mechanism can be developed for the safety of lives and property of general public,” he said.The Minister said there is a need to build flood protection bunds in the villages situated along the banks of different rivers and water streams Kashmir Valley whose residents are dependent on agriculture for earning livelihood.“Under the guidance of Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti, our department has taken various developmental projects in hand which looked impossible till now,” he said.The Minister said the RDD department is building a network of link roads in rural areas to improve connectivity which can prove crucial in case of medical and other emergencies.
Earlier, Mr Khan visited various villages of Anantnag district and interacted with residents who apprised him about their grievances. The Minister passed on-spot directions for redress of grievances.At Fatehpora Panchayat, the Minister announced Rs 20 lakh grant for construction of a flood protection bund at five different flood prone spots. Mr Khan also announced construction and widening of 2 km long, Naglaad Khul, asking officers to start work within a week.At Panchayat Lalan, the Minister ordered construction of flood protection bunds on Nallah Brinal. On popular public demand, the Minister passed on-spot directions for construction of a road from Gund-e-Jaffar to Laran.In Moonghaal village, the Minister called for construction of a road along a water stream from Moonghaal to Check-e-Kamal, asking officers to start work at earliest on these works, besides improving landscape around a local funeral ground.
At Panchayat Halqa Mirgund, the Minister announced construction of link roads from Mirgund to Botengo via Khood and from Ranzanshah to Gadgund.Mr Khan said the residents earlier remained unaware about the developmental works taking place in their village but the government led by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is committed to bring governance at the doorstep of the people. He said the new government will ensure that people in rural areas get to decide where allocated funds should be utilized.The Minister said he has directed the RDD officials to take only those works under MGNREGA which will benefit maximum population of the villages. He said he won't tolerate vindictive traditions wherein the schemes were implemented on political considerations.Mr Khan said the initiative would ensure that people living in villages and rural areas get all requisite and modern facilities to bring them at par with urban areas within next few years. He spelt out several initiatives being taken for holistic development of villages and improving the socio-economic condition of people living there.