Srinagar, Oct 09 (KNO): Work on several national highways besides Zojila and Z-Morh tunnels is in progress with accelerated pace, besides that construction of Qazigund-Banihal tunnel on National Highway has reduced the travel time, MHA report has stated.
The MHA’s Annual Report for the year 2022-23, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) stated that under Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY), J&K achieved 3rd rank at the national level in terms of road length constructed, and the same rank was retained by the UT during 2020-21 also.
“Connectivity is a priority sector and critical for all round development of the UT of J&K. Qazigund-Banihal tunnel on Jammu- Srinagar Road has been completed, which has reduced the travel time with traffic plying from both sides every day,” it reads.
“Work on upgradation of Jammu- Akhnoor-Poonch road (National Highway (NH)-144A), Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Doda- Kishtwar-Anantnag Road (NH-244), Semi Ring Road Jammu, Semi Ring Road Srinagar, Baramulla-Gulmarg Road (NH-701), Srinagar- Shopian-Qazigund Road (NH-444), Zojilla and Z-Morh tunnels is in progress with accelerated pace," it states further.
The report states that the implementation of National Mission on Saffron has ensured substantial increase in the crop yields from 1.88 kg/Ha to 4.5 kg/Ha, which has ultimately doubled the income of saffron growers.
“The UT Government has successfully got the G.I. tagging for saffron and basmati for effective domestic and international marketing, which will promote the economic prosperity of the farmers by enhancing the demand in national and international markets," it reads, adding that “Under Jal Jeevan Mission, 99.94 population are provided with piped water. 57.84% individual households have tap connections. 23160 Schools, 24163 Anganwadi Centres, 3324 Health Institutions and 1666 Gram Panchayat buildings have been provided drinking water connections.”
The report states that the project Shahpur Kandi Dam is under execution at an estimated cost of Rs 2793.00 crore. “100% door to door collection has been achieved in all 1085 wards. 1400 crore action plan for integrated solid waste management for 78 Urban Local Bodies (ULBS) has been rolled out and is likely to achieve 100% Collection & Transportation and 60% waste processing in all these ULBS by 2023,” it said.
“Under Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan, Government has covered 1764 villages, 1652 Educational Institutions and conducted 332 different activities for awareness, reaching out to 4950484 persons including 97050 youth. A composite Drug De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) has been set up in District Kulgam which was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment.”
The report further said that the Government of India has approved the establishment of DDACs in 7 more districts viz. Samba, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar and Bandipora.
"Under power sector, hydro power projects for 3100 MW capacity have been revived and put on track. Work on 1000 MW Pakal Dul and 624 MW Kiru is in full swing, Works of 800 MW Ratle was awarded. Pre- construction activities for 1856 MW Sawlakote project have been initiated by National Hydro Power Corporation," it reads—(KNO)