JAMMU : Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Mr. Raman Bhalla, has said that Rajiv Nagar slum basti would soon have all civic facilities under centrally sponsored scheme Rajiv Awas Yojna (RAY), adding that for this purpose a detailed project report has been submitted to the central Government for early release of funds under the scheme. This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the Rajiv Nagar slum dwellers after assessing their development related issues, here today. The Minister said that the first phase of the flagship scheme envisaging development of civic facilities in slum areas have been launched in six cities of Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Anantnag, Baramulla and Srinagar. He informed that executing agency Infrastr-uctural Professional Global Enterprises (IPGE) has completed the survey of slum basties and submitted a project report to Housing Department for funding. He said immediately after release of funds from central Government under RAY, the creation of all basic amenities like better accommodation, safe drinking water, power, road connectivity besides better lanes and drains would be started. Mr. Bhalla said that Government was making all out efforts to improve the living condition in the slum areas as the Government was keen to tackle the problems of such localities in a definitive manner under RAY scheme. He said Central and State Governments were committed to improve the living condition of homeless residing in ‘joogies’ and kacca houses. Listing the works completed in the area, Mr. Bhalla informed the gathering that Government has spent Rs 55 lakh for construction of one and half kilometer Rajiv Nagar-Rahim Nagar via Krayani Talab link road. He said the project also included constriction of deep drain on both sides of the road. He said the Government has earmarked Rs. 29 lakh for up-gradation of lanes and drains in the locality, adding that the projects are under progress on war footing and would be completed within stipulated time frame. He asked the executing agency to use quality material on development works.
Responding to the locals demand, Mr Bhalla asked the JMC to remove garbage from the nallah flowing in the area to maintain cleanliness. He called upon the inhabitants of Rajiv Nagar not to throw debris in nallah as such practices not only create problems for sanitation team but also spread foul smell affecting the their health. Regarding construction of W No 49 lane, he announced Rs. 12 lakh and asked JMC to start the project and complete it within stipulated time frame. Later, the Minister also attended musical programme ‘Swar Tarange’ organized by Sammoh Theatre in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages at K L Saigal hall. On the occasion, young artists of Jammu presented a scintillating musical programme featuring Sarasvati Vandana, Ghazals, Bhajans, classical songs which were highly applauded by the audience.
The budding artists who performed at musical event were Priya, NIsha, Karan, Aryan, Azad Kumar, Deeksha Nargotra, Sunny Kumar and Suraj Sharma. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bhalla said that there was no dearth of talent among the youth of the state, adding that there was need to encourage them to participate in the national and international level competitions. He said the Jammu and Kashmir State has a rich culture and signifies unity in diversity in the real sense. |
