Jammu, May 15, (Scoop News)-The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Friday said alliance between Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was a significant step and a historic decision.
“I see this as an opportunity and it was also my conscientious decision. Modi had got full mandate from the people of India and he still walked to us for an alliance”, Mufti told media persons at a luncheon meet in Jammu, the winter capital of the roiled Himalayan state.
“It is his statesmanship that he shook his hands with us in formation of the government in the state”, he said adding “ yeh daagu ka bandan nahin hai, yeh bandan sahi bandan hai (alliance is not made of strings but made on a strong foundation).
“Since 1947 we have been loitering between here and there with uncertainty. May be the system gets stabilized now. There must be some purpose, he (Modi) may be watching the situation on a bigger canvas and may be having a bigger objective for the betterment of the state and the country”, the chief minister said while replying to a question.
Replying to another question, Mufti said, “if India has to emerge as a great nation it has to be friendly with its neighbours”. He said India returned to talks with Pakistan even after the parliament attack and Kargil conflict and “talks alone can resolve all contentious issue”.
Referring to PM’s visit to China in response to a question, Mufti said “it is a step in right direction and could bring about an atmospheric change in the region”.
The alliance between two parties, Mufti insisted, is based on jointly redressing the people related grievances by offering them, “good governance, corruption free administration, transparency in the system and strengthening of the institutions”.
Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh, Minister for Public Works, Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Syed Altaf Bukhari, Minister of State for Information, Education & Culture, Priya Sethi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Director Information, Muneer-ul-Islam, and top names from both the print and electronic media representing various organizations attended the interaction.
Referring to his commitment on strengthening institutions like State Vigilance Commission, Accountability Commission, Municipalities and the Panchayats, the Chief Minister said he will ensure delegation of powers to make the officers accountable and responsive to the people’s needs. “We are fortunate to have nurtured great institutions. Its benefits should percolate down to the people at the grassroots level,” he added.
Expressing serious concern over the critical condition of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Mufti Sayeed told the media persons that he has had detailed discussion with the Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highways, Nitin Gadkari, regarding carrying out immediate repairs of the most important road link between the Valley and the rest of the country. “The tourist season has begun and the Amarnath Yatra is also going to start after some time. My main focus will be to make NH 1-A roadworthy so that people do not face any problems,” he said and added that Director General, Border Roads Organization (BRO), will be visiting the State soon to expedite the ongoing works on the National Highway 1-A and other roads which are under BRO.
Referring to the poor condition of Batote-Doda road link, which is sinking at several places, the Chief Minister said he has released Rs.12 crore for its immediate repairs. However, he said the Government is working on another all-weather link with tunnels from Chenani-Sudh Mahadev-Khelani to connect the Chenab Valley.
Keeping in view the huge potential of Chenab Valley region in hydel power generation, the Chief Minister said the Government is considering a proposal for setting up a Technical Institute for local youth which will provide them training in basic skills so that they are employed in various power projects.
Mufti Sayeed also thanked Central Government for releasing Rs.158 crore for Keerian-Gandial pre-stressed double lane bridge in Kathua district. He said he has fixed timeline of three years for Public Works Department to complete the project so that people are provided connectivity in remote areas adding that the work on Bikram Chowk-Presentation Convent Flyover in Jammu, being executed by ERA, will also be expedited.
The Chief Minister said he has allocated Rs. 50 crore for macadamization of roads in Jammu. “In addition, 8 CRF Projects envisaging cost of Rs. 190 crore, are being taken up shortly in Jammu Division which include Samba-Mansar, Jathana Bridge-Kathua and Hatli Roads” he added.
Emphasizing upon the significance of improving road connectivity to Basohli for promotion of Ranjit Sagar Dam, the Chief Minister spoke at length over various initiatives being taken to project Jammu as an independent tourist destination. “It is unfortunate that we have not been able to tap the huge tourism potential of Ranjit Sagar Dam so far. It is ideally located with Dalhousie, in Himachal Pradesh, on one side and the great expanse of the lake on the other,” he said while referring to his visit to Palahi yesterday to take firsthand view of the Ranjit Sagar Dam.
The Chief Minister said the Government has already taken up development of Mantalai as an International Yoga Centre under the new Government of India scheme of Swadesh Darshan. “Jammu has several destinations like Patnitop, Sanasar and Baghlihar which will receive focused attention of the Government,” the Chief Minister asserted.
Mufti Sayeed also said that Sidhra Golf Course in Jammu will be completed by the end of June this year. With the addition of 9 more holes, the Golf Course will become a fully-functional 18-hole Course.
Referring to the steps being taken by the Government to de-congest the capital city, Mufti Sayeed said a new multi-level car parking will be created at Panjtirthi for 400 vehicles. He said the six-tier parking, which envisages Rs. 39.50 crore on its construction, will come up with added paraphernalia of food court and departmental store to facilitate the customers.
He said he has passed instructions for taking up the issue of rehabilitation of matador owners, who are presently using the site as a matador-stand.
On installation of quality Ropeway at Jammu, the Chief Minister said the technology used in Gulmarg Gandola Project will be replicated. He said the land acquisition will be expedited so that the work on the project is started in right earnest.
Mufti Sayeed also stated that he has taken up the issue of expansion of Jammu Airport with Union Defence Ministry so that it is able to operate more flights.
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