Basohli (Kathua)/Jammu, May 23 (Scoop News) – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah underlined the need for constructing two tunnels at Chattergala and Singpora-Vailoo to link Kishtwar and Doda with the Valley adding that this would provide an alternate route from Valley to Jammu, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
Omar Abdulla was addressing a public rally at Basohli,Kathua on the occasion of foundation stone of Rs. 150 crore, 592 meters long Cable Stayed Bridge on 10.5 kilometers Dunera-Bani road over river Ravi.
Omar Abdullah sought the Central assistance in the construction of these two tunnels along with other such projects presently being surveyed for feasibility.
On Panchayat elections, he said establishment of Panchayat institutions would strengthen the democratic set up in the State and open vistas of development.
The Chief Minister said that after Halqa Panchayats, Block Panchayats and District Panchayats would be constituted with an aim to transfer powers to these institutions and devolve authority to the democratically elected Bodies. He said it would help in a big way to decentralize authority at the central offices and involve public in the process of decision making at various levels.
Omar said that Panchayat Raj in the State would act as an effective tool to address the menace of corruption and ensure public monitoring of the development schemes at all levels.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Union Government for liberal financing to the State and said that the funds are utilized to help faster economic development in the State.
Omar also praised Border Roads Organization (BRO) for working in difficult situation, braving weather vagaries and other challenges, and keeping the highways open in the State besides undertaking construction and upgradation of various roads.
The public meeting was also addressed by UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi,Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for Health, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Parliament Member, Ch. Lal Singh and others.