Uri: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday said the government is committed to developing rural and border areas at par with urban regions across Jammu and Kashmir.
The deputy chief minister made these remarks while addressing a public outreach programme at Bagna during his extensive tour of Uri constituency in Baramulla district.
During the visit, he reviewed developmental works, road connectivity projects, educational and healthcare infrastructure and mining operations in different areas of Uri.
Senior officers of the district administration, including officials from the Roads and Buildings Department and PMGSY, accompanied him during the tour.
Addressing the gathering, Surinder Choudhary said the government is focused on creating equal opportunities for youth living in far-flung and border areas by strengthening infrastructure and public facilities.
During the tour, the deputy chief minister inspected Roads and Buildings works at Zehampora Uri, including construction of additional classrooms and library facilities at a government high school.
He directed officials to expedite the projects and stressed the importance of improving educational infrastructure in remote areas.
Reviewing mining-related activities, he inspected the gypsum mining block at Bagna Dara Gudliyan and directed officials to ensure transparency, proper regulation and strict adherence to safety and environmental norms.
“Any mining operations should benefit the local population and enhance means of their livelihood first,” he said.
The deputy chief minister also directed officials to furnish details of all mining blocks to facilitate effective welfare measures for communities associated with mining activities.
As part of infrastructure development initiatives, he laid the foundation stone for the Kushamarg PMGSY road project at Bagna Uri and also for the Nambla–Rustom–Bilalabad PMGSY road project.
He said several important road projects have already been taken up in Uri and more projects are in the pipeline to strengthen connectivity in border areas.
During the tour, Surinder Choudhary also inspected the PWD Rest House at Lagama Uri and directed authorities to prepare plans for its renovation, including construction of a conference hall, parking facilities and landscaping works.
Later, he addressed another public outreach programme at the Officers Club where he listened to issues and demands raised by local residents and public delegations.
He assured prompt grievance redressal and reiterated the government’s commitment towards balanced regional development.
The deputy chief minister also interacted with delegations of land losers affected by NHPC power projects and assured them that their genuine concerns would be addressed on priority basis.
