Wani, Saroori called upon Azad.

Demanded Sub-Centres & Medical College for Kishtwar & Doda.

New Delhi, January 21: - Minister for PWD (R&B) and Mechanical Engineer, Abdul Majid Wani and Senior Congress Leader & MLA Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today called upon Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad in the capital to discuss latest political and development scenario in Jammu and Kashmir especially of Erstwhile district Doda.

They submitted a charter of demands for the twin mountainous and backward districts of Doda-Kishtwar, especially with regard to improving health facilities there.

Congress Leaders told Azad that these two districts have not only suffered on account of natural disaster Earth Quakes but also on account of least development. They asked the health minister to sanction medical colleges for Kishtwar and Doda.

They asked the health minister to sanction medical colleges for Kishtwar & Doda and also setting up of tertiary health centres, which will bring medical relief to the people of two districts.
The Congress leaders also demanded Sub-Centres for Erstwhile Doda district as since 1987 no new sub-centre has been established in the erstwhile district Doda, Poonch, Rajouri, Kupwara, Baramullah, Anantanag and Udhampur districts. To improve the health facility in the hilliest, remote and backward area they demanded at least 60no Sub-centres for each constituency of Erstwhile district Doda.

Saroori highlighted the needs for construction of Singhpura-Vailoo tunnel and Chattar Gallah tunnel which will connect Erstwhile Doda District with Srinagar Valley and help in its holistic development. They said funds are required from Defense Ministry Government of India for final DPR of Chatroo-Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel. They said road has completed from both the side of Singhpura Vailoo Tunnel few years ago and it’s a long pending demand of the people of this area. 

They apprised Minister about the geographical and topographical conditions of Erstwhile District Doda which remains cut off for more than 6 months from Srinagar via Sinthan.

Wani, Saroori also apprised Union Health Minister Azad about Chattar Galla tunnel which will be shortest distance from Lakhanpur, via Bani Basoli via Bhaderwah via Kishtwar Chatroo Singhpura- Vailoo Tunnel to Anantnag Srinagar. They said UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi had already inaugurated the Lakhanpur tunnel last year and it will be shortest distance to reach Srinagar and will be open in all the 12 months.

They requested Azad to use his good office for making necessary efforts for starting construction work on Chatroo-Singhpura-Vailoo and Chattar Gallah tunnel so that all weather transport facilities are ensured for the people of the twin districts of Kishtwar and Doda.

Azad gave patient hearing to both the leaders and assured that the Centre would provide every assistance to the State to ensure all round development besides improving Medicare facilities in Jammu and Kashmir. Regarding tunnels Mr Azad on telephonic conversation with Shri Oscar Fernendes Hon’ble Union Minister for Surface transport and demanded for early release of funds for final DPR of Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel and concern Minister assured that Defense Ministry (GOI) will release funds for feasibility of Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel shortly.

Azad also asked both the leaders to gear up their efforts for developing contact with people with upcoming parliamentary and assembly elections in view. He exhorted upon them to put in their best effort for strengthening the party in the state.

He said that in order to augment the rural health services; he (Azad) has already announced setting up of 600 new health sub-centres in the uncovered areas of the state.