Projects worth over Rs 9 crore planned at Asthal and Reshipora
KULGAM: Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo on Saturday laid the foundation stones for two flood protection projects at Asthal and Reshipora villages in Kulgam district, with a combined estimated cost of Rs 9.09 crore.
The Minister laid the foundation stone of a flood protection work at Asthal, being executed under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) at an estimated cost of Rs 834.44 lakh. The project is being implemented by the Flood Control Division Anantnag through Flood Control Sub-Division DH Pora and aims to protect the area from flood threats, including agricultural land and public infrastructure.
She also laid the foundation stone of a flood protection project at Reshipora, being taken up under the UT Capex budget at an estimated cost of Rs 75.27 lakh. The work is being executed by the same division through the DH Pora sub-division.
Earlier, Itoo held a public darbar at Asthal, where residents raised various developmental demands and grievances. The Minister gave a patient hearing to the people and assured them that genuine demands would be addressed in a phased and time-bound manner.
Addressing the gathering, she said the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was committed to inclusive and equitable development. She described direct interaction with people and public outreach programmes as important for ensuring responsive and accountable governance.
Itoo directed the concerned departments to coordinate with one another and ensure timely completion of developmental works, assuring residents that their welfare and developmental needs would remain a priority.
During the visit, the Minister also distributed cheques amounting to Rs 55 lakh among 10 beneficiaries under Mission YUVA to support the establishment of various business units.
She was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Development Bilal Ahmad Kamgar, Chief Education Officer Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Chief Medical Officer Dr Showkat Hussain Parry, Tehsildar Pahloo, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Block Development Officer and other officials.