Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today undertook an extensive tour of Rafiabad in Baramulla district, where he laid foundation stones and inaugurated several key developmental projects aimed at strengthening the public infrastructure and enhancing civic amenities in the area.
As part of the visit, the Minister laid the foundation stone for construction of a 1×30-metre RCC Plate Girder Bridge at Doabgah over Nallah Vijibal under the NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). The bridge, to be executed by the Public Works (R&B) Department, will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹629.41 lakh and is expected to significantly improve connectivity and facilitate safer movement for the local population.
The Minister also laid the foundation stone for strengthening and upgradation of 6 kilometres of inner link roads in Ladoora to be raised with an estimated cost of ₹507.24 lakh. The project would provide all-weather road connectivity and improve transportation facilities for the residents.
On the occasion, Javid Ahmad Dar inaugurated a Clock Tower at Rohama Chowk, dedicating the landmark project to the people of Rohama. He directed the concerned officers to install informative signboards highlighting the nearby tourist destinations to facilitate the visitors and promote tourism potential of the area.
The Minister further laid the foundation stone for construction of an additional accommodation block at Dak Bungalow, Chijhama. Later, the Minister chaired a public outreach programme at Dak Bungalow, Chijhama, where he interacted with local residents and gave a patient hearing to their grievances and developmental demands.
He assured the people that all genuine issues raised during the interaction would be examined and addressed in a phased and time-bound manner. Addressing the gathering, Javid Ahmad Dar said that the government is committed to ensure equitable and inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir by creating durable public assets and strengthening the basic infrastructure.
He observed that several of the projects launched today were long-pending demands of the local people and would substantially improve their quality of life. The Minister also stressed the importance of timely completion of all the sanctioned works while maintaining the highest standards of quality and transparency.
The Minister directed the executing agencies to strictly adhere to the prescribed timelines so that the benefits of these projects reach the people without delay. Senior officers of the district administration, engineers from the executing departments, local representatives and locals were present on the occasion.