Naeem Akhtar for providing all-weather connectivity to hilly areas

GOOL (RAMBAN), NOVEMBER 20 – Reiterating government’s resolve to provide all-weather road connectivity to the hilly areas, Minister for Public Works, Naeem Akhtar said no stone will be left unturned to complete the ongoing road projects in Gool by April, 2018.

While responding to various demands raised by the locals during a public meeting at Gool, the Minister said the road projects under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) will be started within a fortnight and Government Degree College, Gool will be completed next year.

Deputy Commissioner, Ramban Tariq Hussain Ganai, Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B) Udhampur Circle N.D Khwaja, Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B) Doda Niaz Banday and other senior officers of the department were present on the occasion.

Stressing on the need to provide employment avenues to the educated youth, the Minister informed that a team of Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) will visit the area to educate the youth to develop readiness for exploring new entrepreneurial avenues that shall open vistas of financial independence for them.

During the meeting, the locals demanded construction of roads from Boltitop to Mahkul, Srunda to Thathar, Jabbar to Mahakund, link road to Chachua and Gool Bypass road. They also sought upgradation of Government Higher Secondary School at Thathar and augment healthcare facilities in the region.

The Minister also visited Godha Gali and directed the concerned to intensify the efforts for conservation and preservation of this historical place which has the potential to be a major tourist attraction of the area. He asked the DC, Ramban to prepare the revenue papers and remove encroachments, if any, so that the matter of notification of land can be taken up with the Archives Department for its conservation.

During his day-long tour, the Minister interacted with the villagers at Shajroo, GarhMorh, Jamaslan, Chaklas and Dharam. The people demanded construction of road from Suligali to KundMorh, link road from Garh to Mulass, upgradation of drainage system at JamaslanGali, road from Charelas to Saldhar and road from Dharam to Gool at the respective places.

The Minster also inspected the ongoing construction work of GDC, Gool which is being constructed on 83 kanals of land at the cost of Rs. 628 lakh. He directed the officers to make the rooftop of the building solar enabled to use solar energy for power and heating purposes, besides constructing a library block in the college.

At Sangaldan, the villagers demanded engagement of local youth in the Railway projects. Responding to this, the Minister directed DC, Ramban to take up the matter with the Railways and ensure that the locals get employment opportunities in their projects.