Fulfilling the long pending demand of the people of the area, Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura today laid foundation for construction of Water Storage Tank at Arzan-Garzan in Chrar-e- Sharief constituency.The project has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 25.28 crore under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP). On completion the project will irrigate 1022 hectares of land of seven habitations of Chrar-e-Sharief constituency. These areas include Charwani, Zakhipora, Kakavring, Palpora, Dardpora, Hathpora, Tangnar, Chack and Mohanjdaur.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the Government is committed to provide basic amenities like adequate drinking water, power and road connectivity to the people of the State especially in rural and hilly areas. He said several initiatives have been taken in this regard adding that the Centre has already sanctioned a package of Rs 80,000 crore for the overall development of State.
Recalling the contribution of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed towards the development of the State, the Minister said several historical decisions have been taken during his tenure as Chief Minister including opening of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in Rajouri and Islamic University in Awantipora.
Mr. Hanjura said the present Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti is carrying forward the mission of Late Mufti Sahab and she had recently laid foundation stone of two Nursing Colleges at Awantipora and Chrar-e-Sharief.Referring to the developmental works under execution in the area, the Minister said that the construction work on several projects under different sectors is in progress and on completion these schemes will help to improve the economic condition of the people of the area. He said directions have already been given to the district administration for preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for various other projects for the area. He said a road network programme has already been framed and the construction of several new roads and upgradation and improvement of existing roads is being taken in hand soon.The Minister said several Centrally Sponsored Schemes including Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sainchai Yojana (PMKSY) has been launched in the State with the aim to maximise the income of the farmers.The Minister also asked the district administration to conduct frequent field visits of their respective jurisdictions and resolve people’s genuine grievances on the spot.Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Mir Altaf Ahmad highlighted the activities of various developmental works under execution in different sectors in the district.Among others, SSP Budgam and concerned senior officers of Irrigation and Flood Control department were also present on the occasion.