Srinagar, April 23 (Scoop News) –Work is apace on the National Highway widening project in Kashmir division and out of Rs. 280.31 Crores an amount of Rs. 233.44 Crores has been disbursed to 3077 beneficiaries whose land has been acquired for widening and construction of National Highway in 58 villages of Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and Srinagar districts as compensation. 7415 Kanal–15 Marla of land is involved in the acquisition. Till date 5566 Kanals–8 Marla have already been handed over to National Highway Authority of India. Rs. 233.44 Crore have been disbursed to 3077 beneficiaries so far.
This was stated in a review meeting related to National Highway Project held here today. The meeting was chaired by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon. The Divisional Commissioner sought a detailed report from the concerned departments to assess the implementation of the project so far and to find out problem areas, if any.Divisional Commissioner, fixed targets for the Collectors to ensure immediate disbursement of compensation to the land owners and handing over the land to the National Highway Authorities to accelerate execution of work. It was informed that due to bad weather conditions the pace of work was slow. Explicit instructions were given to the Project Director, NHAI and Chief Engineers to ensure shifting of utilities by 7th May 2012. Dr. Samoon said that the works done till date under National Highway widening project would be inspected by him in coming days to make an on spot assessment.
The meeting was attended by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, Govt. of India, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Baseer Ahmad Khan, Superintending Engineers, Additional Deputy Commissioners, Officers of Revenue, Forest, PDD, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control and other officers from Govt of India.