Minister Rana inaugurates, lays foundation for multiple development projects in Mendhar

MENDHAR: In a significant push to strengthen the public infrastructure in border areas, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in the Mendhar constituency. These initiatives aim to enhance the essential services, improve connectivity and promote socio-economic development in the area.

The Minister inaugurated a newly constructed Food Store Building at Mendhar, developed under the FCS and CA sector. Built with an expenditure of Rs. 151.80 lakh, the facility is expected to significantly strengthen the public distribution system by improving the storage capacity and ensuring better availability of essential commodities for the local population.

In a significant move to promote education and empowerment among young women, the Minister inaugurated a 100-bedded Girls Hostel (G+1) at Mendhar. Constructed under the SAMAGRA (PAB) 2022–23 programme at a cost of Rs. 259 lakh, the hostel aims to provide safe and improved residential facilities for girl students.

Furthering infrastructure development, the Minister laid foundation stone for a 300-metre RCC motorable bridge and culvert on the Jugal–Salwah road, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 120 lakh. This project is poised to enhance the accessibility, facilitate smoother transportation and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding areas.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that these projects reflect the government’s commitment towards improving the essential infrastructure and ensuring better facilities for the people, particularly in far-flung and border areas. “Our government is committed to bridge the divide between rural and urban areas so as to achieve balanced and equitable development across the region,” he said.

The Minister said that sustained efforts are being made to bridge the developmental gaps and improve infrastructure across all sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in far found and underserved areas. He highlighted that investments in infrastructure, education and connectivity are crucial for accelerating growth and improving the overall quality of life.

During the visit, the Minister also inspected and reviewed the progress of several ongoing projects, including Synthetic Athletic Track at Bhatidhar, 50 MVA, 132/33 KV Grid Station at Kottan, Mendhar and Polyhouses with High-Density Plantation under HADP. He emphasized the importance of timely completion of these projects to ensure that their benefits reach the people without delay.

Among others the event was attended by Ashok Kumar  Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Poonch; Manoj Gupta, Chief Engineer I&FC Jammu; Hanief Choudhary, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Jammu; Gul Sayed, Director Horticulture Jammu; Arshad Hussain Reshi, Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL and Ravi Kant, Chief Engineer (Projects) JPDCL besides other district and departmental officials.