Govt committed to develop rural areas at par with urban areas: Deputy Chief Minister

• Conducts extensive tour of border areas of Uri, assesses development progress, addresses public outreach programmes

URI: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today said that the government has accelerated facility creation and is committed to develop rural areas at par with urban areas and cities of Jammu and Kashmir. The Deputy Chief Minister said this while addressing at a public outreach programme at Bagna during daylong tour to border Constituency Uri of Baramulla district.

During an extensive tour, he assessed the progress of developmental works, road connectivity projects, educational and health infrastructure and mining operations across Uri areas. The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Engineer PMGSY, Chief Engineer R&B North Kashmir, ADC Baramulla, SDM Uri and other senior officers of the district administration.

Addressing a public gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said that,  “the Government is committed to create facilities in rural areas at par with urban areas across Jammu and Kashmir so that the youth living in far-flung and border areas receive equal opportunities for growth and progress.”

During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected various R&B works at Zehampora Uri, including construction of additional classrooms and library facilities at Government High School. He directed the concerned officers to ensure speedy completion of the projects and emphasized the need for strengthening educational infrastructure for the benefit of students.

Reviewing the ongoing developmental activities in the mining sector, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected the Gypsum mining block at Bagna Dara Gudliyan Uri. He stressed transparency, proper regulation and strict adherence to safety and environmental norms in mining operations. He further directed the officials to submit complete details of all mining blocks so that effective measures can be taken to ensure welfare and socio-economic benefits for local communities associated with mining activities.

“Any mining operations should benefit the local population and enhance means of there livelihood first,” he said. As part of the infrastructure development initiatives, the Deputy Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the Kushamarg PMGSY Road project at Bagna Uri.

He said that several important road projects have already been undertaken in Uri while many others are in the pipeline for the current year to ensure smooth and seamless connectivity across the border region.

He also laid the foundation stone for construction of the PMGSY Nambla–Rustom–Bilalabad road project in Uri and remarked that the project would significantly improve mobility and connectivity for residents living in border areas.

During the tour, the Deputy Chief Minister also inspected the PWD Rest House at Lagama Uri and called for its complete renovation. He directed the concerned departments to prepare plans for construction of a conference hall, development of parking facilities and landscaping of the lawn area so that the facility can serve as a better accommodation and meeting venue for official visitors and government engagements.

Later, the Deputy Chief Minister also addressed a public outreach programme at Officer's Club and listened to their issues and demands. He assured robust development and prompt grievance redress as priority for the present government. During the tour, the Deputy Chief Minister met various public delegations including land losers of NHPC power project and assured them that their genuine issues shall be addressed on priority basis.