Saroori felicitate MLC Naresh Gupta

Naresh thanks all the legislators for casting vote in his favour.

Majority people of J&K wants Azad back in state.

Jammu, March 24: - The newly elected Members of Legislative Council from Congress party was felicitated at the residence of Former Minister and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori.

While expressing gratitude to the workers of Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban District, Naresh gave all the credit for the development to the Union Health Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and Vice President Congress Rahul Gandhi. He eulogized Azad for granting the district status to Kishtwar and Ramban, establishing a degree college and mini-secretariat and laying a network of roads in the district and for extending rural health facilities under NRHM. He also said that he will definitely carry on with his work as strengthening unity of the people living in different parts of the state and upliftment of downtrodden masses irrespective of their colour, religion, region and language.

Naresh said that after realizing the role and achievements of G N Azad now majority of people in J and K want him back in the State. He lauded the Congress for granting grass root power to the countrymen through Panchayati Raj institutions.

Naresh thanked all the legislators from Jammu and Kashmir who had cast vote in his favor and also in favour of coalition candidates.

On the occasion Saroori said that Congress leadership has taken a very wise decision to appoint Naresh Gupta to Upper House. He hoped that with Naresh’s elected as MLC for 2nd time his efforts to develop Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban would be redoubled. He asked him to work hard for strengthening the party and strengthen the hands of UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Vice President AICC Rahul Gandhi and Former Chief Minister J&K and Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and promote the policies of the Congress party.

Saroori hoped that with the elected of Naresh Gupta as MLC, Congress would be further strengthened in Erstwhile Doda District comprising of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.

Saroori demanded Sub Division for Chatroo, Thatri on the floor of the Assembly.

Demanded inquiry in illegal occupants of 110 Kanals at Loopa village of Inderwal Constituency
 

Raised issues on R&B and Revenue

Jammu, March 20: - Congress MLA from Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori raises important issues regarding R&B and Revenue department on the floor of the Assembly. He demanded rehabilitation of the habitations whose land has been acquired for construction of Hydro Electric projects in Chenab Valley; demanded creation of staff in Revenue Department for immediate settlements of cases; demanded early enhancement of remuneration honorarium of Numbardars and Chowkidars to Rs1500 each; Tehsil wise construction of Mahfooz khans for issuance of record to the public; Implementation 2011 census.

He stressed for immediate release and payment of compensation in favor of structure holders/fruits plant holders which falls under the alignment of construction of Roads and Buildings.

Saroori appeals to government for immediate creation of sub-division at Chatroo and Thatri; Tehsil status should be given to Bunjwah Nali; Naibat status should be given to Lass Saroor; Creation of new Blocks at Thakrie, Bunjwah, Mugalmaidan, Sarthal, Khara and Bhatyas. Delimitation of revenue villages which are so vast and one patwari is not able to reach every village for work adding that Patwaris should be appointed as Naib Tehsildars who knows Urdu language for settling of the cases. He demanded free ration for 6 months to District Kishtwar and Doda as per the drought report of revenue department. 

Saroori demanded inquiry should be initiated against illegal occupants of 110 Kanals of pasture land at Loopa in conveyance of some officials of department by one Retired Medical Assistant so called Doctor; the land has been acquired by JKPDC for construction of Kalani II power project as the land was common pasture of the public of villagers but so called Doctors had illegally occupants 110 Kanals which is injustice with the villagers.

On Roads and Building department Saroori demanded detail projects should be furnished to connect the villages which are having population of 250 souls under core net work programme of PMGSY; Release of compensation amount under PMGSY, CRF and NABARD for smooth construction of roads without the hindrance of land and structure holders. 

He stressed on immediate release of state matching share for roads under execution through NABARD for their speedy completion; Construction of Chatroo Singhpora Vailoo tunnel, Chattar Gala Kapran tunnels, the feasibility report stands submitted by GREF to GOI of Chatroo Singhpura Viloo tunnel, the matter relating to its construction has also been named by his Excellency the President of India in President Jenab Pranab Mukherjee in President address in the Parliament; Construction of 20no steel foot suspension bridges in the area of Chingam, Chatroo, Mugalmaidan, Keshwan, Srawan, Bunjwah, Saroor, Sarthal, Kuntwara, Hurna Durbeel and Sigdi area. 

Saroori demanded immediate start of work on Ganpath Bridge, Seva Dal Loopa Bridge; immediate release of funds against work done liabilities; Immediate black listing of some outsider contractors of the state who have been provided 200 crore for PMGSY roads in erstwhile doda district and they have left the work after CD works; Immediate opening of Chatroo Sinthan pass by way of removal of snow at Sinthan area.

Formation of DPR’S on road parentage connectivity bases; Release of funds for completion of Dak Bunglows at places of Chingam, Jakyas, Malanoo, Sinthan, Kurya, Gondoh, Thakrie, Sarthal, Mangthalla, Patnazi and Sigdi. Priority attention should be given for the completion of taken up projects in all respect in Erstwhile Doda District and special attention should be given towards the habitation which are UN connected so far in Inderwal Constituency. 

Saroori demanded release of wages in favor of gain Collies who are engaged for maintenance of roads adding that he said R&B deptt needed at least 20,000 more gain collies for maintenance of roads in the state government should made provision for early appointment of Gain Collies in the state.

Saroori raises various issues on Tourism sector and Planining & Development department on the floor of the Assembly.

Jammu, March 19: - Congress MLA from Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori raises various issues on the floor of Assembly; 

“Tourism Sector”

“Lauded govt decision for train 25000 youth in hospitality”

Saroori lauded government for the decision that it would train 25000 youth in hospitality sector in next four years in Jammu and Kashmir. He demanded immediate creation of Inderwal Development authority for Chatroo, Mugalmaidan, Dadpath, Bimalnag, Singhpora, Sigdi, Kuchal, Hurna Durbeel, Chingam, Sinthan Maidan, Sinthan Top, Dhadam Dhar, Passarkote of phamber kalam setter these areas are having natural potential of spots government should also look in to these spot.

Adding that focused attention should be given to explore and show case the serene beauty of Sinthan Top, Devi Goal, Bimalnag, Bhangar, Pamber, Klam Setter and demanded construction of view points, Huts along the road side from Kurya bridge to Sinthan Top; Construction of TRC’S at Gondoh, Thatri and Muugalmaidan. He stressed on formation of tourist circuit from Lakhanpur to Bani – Basoli to Chattar Galah – Doda to Kishtwar - Anantnag to Amarnath which will work as alternate pass to Jammu Srinagar national highway for smooth travel for pilgrimages as well as for tourists.

Saroori demanded engagement of land holders on need bases; release of wages of earlier engaged casual labors; construction of paying guests house in private sectors; construction of tourist villages at Chingam and Sarthal; Construction of cable car from Marwari to Bhangar; construction of Sarie buildings near Ziyarat Sharief upper Astan sharief, lower Astan sharief and Bhandarkote Astan Sharief; construction of various links for development of tourist destination in Jammu and Srinagar region. Allocation of more funds for the development of Mansar lake, Suransar, Sudmahadev, Mata Vaishno Devi, Machail Kalash temple, Sarthal Devi and others. Expansion of man power for its implementation

“Planning and Development Department”

“Implement all Board meeting decisions”

Saroori demanded immediate implementation of Finance commission report and Swami Raj Sharma’s recommendation for preparation of planes. Plans should be formulated and submission of DPR’S in all sector be done on ground bases. Implementation of all decision taken during the various board meetings including opening of one PHC and 10no Sub Centers in each segments of Erstwhile Doda District which was taken during 17 April 2008 by Former Chief Minister and Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Funds should be allocated for construction of Chatroo Singhpora Vailoo tunnel which will be alternate route to Kashmir valley via Kishtwar Chatroo. Proper planning should be made for allocations of funds for districts. Separate proposals for allocation of funds to bad pocket area district.

Saroori demanded equal distribution of funds to the districts as released by Government of India (GOI) under task force Commission. Immediate implementation of plan of current year for early completion of works identified. He demanded enhance of wages for the daily wages of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers.

Saroori stages walk out from Assembly, chair recalls Hakim.

Jammu, March 16: In a rare incident, a member of the ruling coalition, the Congress MLA from Inderwal G M Saroori staged a walkout from the House when he was denied a supplementary by the Chair during the Question Hour.

Saroori who wanted to ask a supplementary to the question of MY Tarigami regarding allocations under tribal plan, was denied the opportunity by the Deputy Speaker MS Madani.

He rejected Saroori plea to raise supplementary on the ground that the question had already consumed much time and written reply had been furnished to him in response to his un-starred question regarding upliftment of SC/ST community.

Saroori however insisted, "This question needs a supplementary," said Saroori, but not finding favours from the Chair, staged a walkout.

Hakim Yasin, who also wanted to ask the supplementary to the same question also woke up to stage a walkout, but was recalled by the Deputy Speaker. "Hakim sahib, this would not be fair, please come back," said the Deputy Speaker, following which Hakim Yasin returned to assume his seat.

Another walk-out was staged by BJP MLA from Marh, Ch Sukhnandan during the discussion on the grants of the Department of Agriculture Production.

After raising some issues of farmers, the MLA said, “I don’t think this discussion would yield any positive result. I have been raising similar issues during the past four years but no step has been taken by the Government till date to give practical shape to the assurances”.

Later, he staged walk-out.

Saroori raised issues during grants of various department on the floor of the Assembly.

Jammu, March 15: - Former Minister and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori took part in discussion on various department grants.

Rural Development Department grant: -

"Lauded govt for establishing redressal cell; Implement Bloeria Commission report"

Saroori lauded government for establishing grievance redressal cell to get the requisite feedback from different quarters about the implementation of various schemes and also complaints if any. He demanded early implementation of Bloeria Commission Report for establishment of new blocks at Bunjwah, Mugalmaidan, Thakrie, Sarthal, Khara and Bhatyas of Inderwal constituency and staff for block Chatroo, Kishtwar, Drabshallah, Bhalessa by way of engagement of Junior Engineers on contract bases to job card holders against works. He stressed on strengthen of Panchayat Raj by implementation of 73^rd Amendment, immediate conduct of Block Development Council (BDC) elections in the state.

Saroori demanded on the floor of the assembly that provision to increases IAY cases from 1no to 10 no per panchayat, timely formation of plans for all the schemes, enhancement of BRGF funding for rural areas. Early completion of incomplete panchayat ghars in the state as 1788 Panchayat Ghars had taken in hand by the government. Enhancement of funds under CD and panchayats and implementation of sanction programme in all panchayats.

He demanded that government should made provisions of plantation under MGNREGA, timely availability of sheets for formulation of labour payment bills. He said payment should be given through cheque in respect of works executed under CDF and MPLAD funds in favour of beneficiaries.

Housing and Urban grants

"Colonies for media person and allotment of plots for MLAS"

Saroori demanded early construction of colonies for residential purpose in favour of media person and allotment of plots in favour of MLAS at Jammu and Srinagar.

He stressed for early conduct of local bodies in the state.He demanded construction of bus stand at Thatri, construction of slab over Nallah at thatri from both side of road, construction of shopping complex at Thatri from revenue component. Engagement of sweepers in MAC Thatri, release of wages in favor already engaged casual labors and FSL lights in MAC thatri.

PHE/Irrigation grants

"Confirmation of HR workers as permanent daily wagers; construction of Filter plant at Chatroo and Thatri"

Saroori said reform have been made in PHE department by way of implementation of various schemes and collection of revenue worth Rs 1200 crores from NHPC which happened first time in the J&K state.

He demanded that allocation of funds for Doda and Kishtwar district should me releases as per finance commission report which has indicated these districts as most backwards districts in Jammu And Kashmir State. He stressed for completion of W.S.S under NRWDP which have been taken up in district Kishtwar and Doda in general and Inderwal constituency in particular and enhancement of funding under state sector and district sector in favour of W.S.S in Inderwal constituency.

Saroori said Minister for then PHE Taj Mouhi Ud Din Shah had sanction filter plant at Chatroo and Thari he stressed for early start of construction to the said plants. Sanction of construction of Canals Khols projects of Inderwal constituency under NABARD, sanction of flood control projects of Chatroo, Saroor, Chingam, Sarthal, Keshwan, Bunjwah, Kountwara, Thatri, Khara, Bhatyas, Bathri Mugalmaidan, Sigdi, Singhpora and other areas, construction of service reservoirs at each water supply schemes in Inderwal Constituency for smooth functioning of drinking water.

He stressed on confirmation of HR workers as permanent daily wagers and monthly payment of wages in their favour, Issue of tool kits to HR workers for maintenance of ongoing water supply schemes and engagement of persons who have gained ITI diplomas in respect of PHE sector to avoid the staff shortage in respect of technical issues. Immediate construction of Kandi Canal as per revised DPR, engagement of clerical staff for Hydraulic division Kishtwar and Sub Division for Gondoh and sanction new W.S.S (DPR stands submitted in respect of Inderwal constituency).

Saroori demanded installation of 50no of hand pumps in Inderwal constituency and release of 1 crore for repair and maintenance of ongoing water supply schemes under task forest commission.

Saroori demanded relief compensation from PDD to Chatroo fire victims.

Property worth over 80 lacks gutted in devastating fire incident in Chatroo.

Jammu, March 12:-  in a devastating fire incident at village Deller some 3 Kilometers from Tehsil Headquarter of Chatroo in Kishtwar District, a residential complex owned by Ghulam Mohammad Rishi son Mumma Rishi, his two sons Mohammad Iqbal and Mohammad Yaseen. 

According to reports, the fire broke out at around 2.30 AM on Monday morning in which the whole of the double story building reduce to ashes, besides perishing 55 sheep’s & Goats, 6 Cows and 3 horses.  As soon as the news of the fire reach Kishtwar, senior officers of District Administration Kishtwar including ADC Kishtwar Rajesh Kumar Shavan, Tehsildar   Chatroo Mohsin Raza Ahanger, SHO P/S Chatroo Farooq Ahmed Khateeb and team of fire service department rush to the spot and started rescue operation but could not save the property as there was no road connectivity at the site of the incident. 

Meanwhile MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori raises the issue inside J & K Assembly and blames the Power Development Department for the negligence. Mr. Saroori said that despite government claiming that they have released the funds to the tune of Rs. 140 Cr for maintenance of HT/LT network, but said that in his constituency most of the electric wire are barbed and were connected with tress threatening the life of common masses. He demanded direction from the chair to PDD with regarding compensation to effected families.

Later Saroori directed DC Kishtwar for immediate relief to the fire victims and Rs 60,000 cash assistance was distributed by ADDC Kishtwar to the effected families.

Saroori demanded railway line for Kishtwar

Issues raised by Saroori on the floor of the Assembly.

Favoured in tabling of delimitation bill

Jammu, March 7: - Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori while highlighting the Central Government liberal financial support to speed up the development process in the State said that State has tried to do justice with all regions. Yet he demanded more steps to develop bad pockets of Chenab valley on fast-track basis to fulfill the aspirations of this backward area.

Saroori said Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh has sanctioned 10no tunnels in the country which include Chatroo-Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel and which finds mention in the President address in the parliament this year.

He demanded construction of Railway line to connect Doda with Kashmir Valley and Udhampur, Air strip for Kishtwar, Creation of Tourism development authority for Bhalessa, Chatroo, Bunjwah, Saroor, Sarthal, Thakrie, Kuntwara area, Rehabilitation of nomads and opening of sheep and animal husbandry units on door steps.

Saroori also demanded establishment of sub health centre at every 5 km and one primary health centre at every 10 km in the hilly and remote areas to improve the healthcare facilitates in the State, implementation of Finance, Balorie and Mushtaq Commission report, special package for backward district in the state besides on spot special police recruitment in Chatroo, Bunjwah, Thakrie, Khara, Gondoh, Saroor, Marmat, Marwah, Paddar and other areas.

Saroori also stressed for creation of Sub division (SDM) for Chatroo, opening of Industrial training institute at Chatroo, Bunjwah and Thatri, Construction of Building of Government Degree College Chatroo and Thatri, opening of new college at Bunjwah and Jakyas, improving facilities for Gujjars & Bakerwals and special recruitment to absorb unemployed youth of the area, replacement of all rotten polls, augmentation of Dadpath station of 3.5 MV to 6.5 MV, start of 2nd phase work under RGVKY of erstwhile doda district , fast track district selection board in districts should be created for expediting selection of un employed youth in this stipulated period of time.

Saroori demanded regular monthly salary of HR workers, continuation of youth as volunteers under NYK yojana, enhancement of SPO, VDC, Chokidars Nombardar salaries, clearance of old age pension cases, opening of J&K bank branches at Sigdi, Chingam, Sirgwari, Lass & Bathri, opening of treasury at Jakyas and Mugalmaidan.

Saroori said one PSC and SSRB member should be from erstwhile doda district, fulfillment of vacant Doctors posts at far flung areas of erstwhile doda district, provision of ration to the beneficiaries as per the census of 2011, provision for free ration to district kishtwar and Doda as per the drought prone report of Revenue department, opening of LPG counters at all block headquarters in Doda and Kishtwar district, Implementation of Panchayat Raj, salaries for Sarpanches, Panches, Chairman Adalti and enhancement of funds for clearance of NFBS for widows and increase of said amount from 10,000 to 20,000 per case.

He favoured the tabling of delimitation bill for creating more constituencies to remove disparities as per area and population.

Work on 650 Cr Singhpora-Viloo tunnel likely to start from Dec 2013: OC GREF

Pranab Mukherjee stated the construction of Chatroo-Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel in President address this year.

Prefeasibility report of GREF found construction of tunnel as viable.

Kishtwar March 7: In significant development, in his pre feasibility report prepare by the General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF), the construction of Tunnel between village Singhpora of Chatroo Kishtwar and Viloo of Anantnag District of Kashmir found as viable for construction of the tunnel.

As per the letter No: 40570/Sinthan/DGBR/62/Brs & Tnls written by Col K S Malladi Director Bridges & Tunnels in the office of Director General Border Roads (Bridge and Tunnels) and submitted to DG BRO, the organization gives approval in principal for consultancy services for preparing detail feasibility study and framing up of phase wise proposal (DPR) for construction of 10 KM (Two tubes of 5 KM each) Sinthan Pass Tunnel. The Prefeasibility report was prepared by the Col K S Malladi after DG BRO issued instruction to him in the month of May 2012. The pre feasibility report of the said tunnel was prepared keeping in view of the geological report, snow data of last five years and also the cost of the project which is estimated approximately around Rs. 650 Cr.

Pankaj Kumar Officiating Commandant 118 RCC GREF Kishtwar confirmed that the project of construction of Singhpora-Viloo tunnel is in advance stage and said that the prefeasibility report has already been submitted to the higher authorities. He said that the organization has already taken up the matter with defense ministry government of India for providing funds for preparation of final DPR of the said tunnel. He said that as soon as the organization will receive funds for preparation of DPR, the organization will invite the tenders for the same from reputed companies. He said that he was hopeful that all the formalities will be cleared by the end of November 2013. He said that by December 2013, the organization is all set to start the construction work on Singhpora-Viloo Tunnel. He said that the construction of this tunnel will not only provide alternative road connectivity to valley, but will also give job opportunities to the local unemployed youths of the Kishtwar District.


It is worthwhile to mention that in 2003 MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori first time raises the issue on the floor of assembly regarding the construction of Chatroo Singhpora tunnel and Sinthan road. During his tenure as R & B ministry, Saroori expedite the paper work and has completed 23km of road from Chatroo to Singhpora, also from Vailoo side in 2010. Road was constructed from both end during his tenure as R&B minister within no span of time, beside two former Chief Ministers Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad moved ahead with the project as result of which the project was finally taken in hand by GREF in the year 2005, but the project was stopped in 2008 when militants killed five GREF personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel Ajay Verma on June 13, 2008.

Singhpora-Viloo tunnel is among the 11 tunnels to be constructed in India on the initiative of GOI which includes construction of 12 KM long Srinagar-Kargil-Leh tunnel and 21 KM long Balipara-Charduar Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. The GOI project for construction of these tunnels comes in wake of the fact that these regions of the country mostly remain cut off from the rest of world in winter due to heavy snowfall. The construction of the tunnel also provide alternative road connectivity to the valley which mostly remains cut off from rest of the country due to frequent blocking of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. The tunnel also provides shorts road connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir valley through Pangi-Padder-Sinthan-Srinagar route.

Need for constructing Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel which will link Kishtwar and Doda with the Kashmir Valley adding that this would provide an alternate route from Valley to Jammu, and Amarnath pilgrims, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. A traveler has to cover 290 km to reach Kishtwar via the Srinagar-Jammu highway, and the Srinagar-Sinthan-Kishtwar road reduces the distance by 200 km. Earthwork and two-laning have been completed from Batote to Chatroo on the Kishtwar side and from Vailoo side half km.

People of District Kishtwar and Anatnag appreciate the efforts made by Former R&B Minister and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori and Minister for Haj & Auqaf Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed for this tunnel.