MANKOTE: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Tuesday laid the foundation stones for development projects worth ₹64.44 crore in Mankote area of Poonch district.
The projects include drinking water schemes, road connectivity works under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and expansion of healthcare infrastructure.
According to officials, Rana inaugurated four water supply schemes under the Union Territory Capex programme with a combined cost of ₹8.60 crore. These include the Keri Kandi Kangra scheme (₹2.25 crore), Balakot Sandote scheme (₹2.15 crore), Prawa Dharati Panjani Phase-II scheme (₹2.75 crore) and Kund Manjhari scheme (₹1.455 crore).
The minister also laid the foundation stones for five PMGSY road projects involving an investment of about ₹55.09 crore. The projects include the Kanti Gala-Dhratti Road, Balakote Behrote-Dullian Sandote Road, Sanghiote Road-Hattain Ferozalan Road, Basooni Behruti Road-Behroti Lower Road and Basooni Hansal-Khana Goda Gopal Road.
Officials said the road projects are aimed at improving all-weather connectivity in remote and hilly areas and enhancing access to markets, healthcare, education and other services.
In the healthcare sector, Rana laid the foundation stone for two 30-bedded wards at the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Dhargloon, in Tehsil Balakote. The project, estimated at ₹74.95 lakh, is being funded under the District Capex Budget for 2025-26 and is expected to enhance healthcare capacity in the area.
Addressing a public outreach programme at Dullian Sandote, Rana said the government was prioritising development of remote and border regions. He said the water supply projects would help address drinking water needs in several hilly habitations, while improved road connectivity would facilitate economic activity and access to essential services.
During the programme, the minister also interacted with residents and reviewed local development issues. He directed officials to ensure quality execution and timely completion of the projects.
