Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Water Resources, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Defence Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju during his visit to Delhi and flagged several issues related to Jammu and Kashmir.During his meeting with the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Water Resources, Nitin Gadkari, the Deputy Chief Minister raised the issue of conservation and protection of River Tawi in Jammu city on the pattern of the Sabarmati River Front. He called for early start of work on the 3.5 kms pilot stretch passing through the main city areas.Dr Singh called for release of Rs 396 crore to start work on Jammu city’s prestigious tourism attraction project which would also ensure the conservation of the perennial river.The Deputy Chief Minister also called for taking necessary measures for the proposed construction of Panikhar (Kargil)-Chandanwari-Kishtwar road. He said the road will act as an important alternate link connecting the three regions of the state, besides providing the much-needed connectivity to the people living in the areas alongside the road alignment.
Dr Singh also asked for sanctioning five new road projects to be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 150.28 cr including widening of road from Phinter to Billawar along with widening and balancing work of Sukral road at an estimated cost of Rs. 42.94 Crore, Dyalachak Challan Road to Kouli Kupid raod at an estimated cost of Rs 20.00 Crore, additional 90-meter span RCC bridge over River Jehlum at Khannabal (Anantnag) at an estimated cost of Rs. 21.04 Crore, widening/upgrading of road from NHID to Archoo Choskore (21 Kms) in Kargil at an estimated cost of Rs. 24.08 Crore and widening/upgradation of road connecting Broglunna Waka, Sherling Wak, Sarak Khangral, Kuktsay and 23.30 Kms link road connecting Tumail, Gronyur Grong and Lungma Broq estimated to cost Rs 42.22 crore.Mr. Nitin Gadkari reiterated that the central Government was keen to fast pace the development of State. He assured that the issues raised by him will be redressed within the shortest possible time.
Dy Chief Minister also called on Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapati Raju and projected issues related to the upgrading and augmentation of the existing airport at Jammu and also flagged the issue of identification of the land to be acquired for the new airport. He sought technical team to test the feasibility of the acquired land besides settling the compensation cases.The union Civil Aviation Minister assured the Deputy Chief Minister for early action in this regard.Later the Dy Chief Minister accompanied by Member Parliamentary Jugal Kishore called on the Union Minister for Defence Nirmala Sitharaman and discussed issues related to the security scenario and the problems being faced by the people living in the border areas. The Union Minister assured Dr Singh that issues raised would be redressed in a time bound manner.