Good roads vital for sound economic growth: Saroori

Demanded for early sanctioning of new road schemes for Inderwal constituency

Asked Forest minister that Gujjars and Bakerwals should not be harassed in forests and allowed to repair their Kothas

JAMMU, JANUARY 22: - Member of Legislative Assembly from Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori said that an effective communication network is essential not only for meeting the requirements of travel and transport but also for rapid socio-economic development of the state and the country, adding that good connectivity and economic growth are linked with each other. He said road connectivity is even more important because it is directly linked to the promotion of tourism”, Saroori said while participating on the grants of Roads and Building department.

Saroori while strongly advocating for construction of proposed 10-Km long (5km of two tubes each) Singpora-Vailoo tunnel connecting Kishtwar with Kashmir valley, said it will help to provide a nearest all weather alternate highway between Jammu to Srinagar and will help in its holistic development. He said on completion, the tunnel will go a long way in developing a mega Tourism Circuit comprising of Lakhanpur-Bani-Basoli-Chatergala-Bhaderwah-Kishtwar-Chatroo and Kashmir Valley, thereby bringing socio-economic prosperity in the entire region.

He has also raised public related demands including detail projects should be furnished to connect the villages which are having population of 100 souls under core net work programme of PMGSY, Immediate upgradation of Kishtwar-Sinthan road which is in deplorable condition, blacktopping on all the link roads in Inderwal, Release of compensation under PMGSY, CRF and NABARD for smooth construction of roads without the hindrance of land and structure holders, demanded sanctioning of 4 no. roads under CRF for Inderwal Constituency, Opening of all snow bound roads in Doda and Kishtwar, release of wages in favour of gain Collies who are engaged for maintenance of roads, enhancement of funds on district level in road sector, revision of rates for stage II PMGSY road projects, regularization of all casual labourers, Temporary Gang Coolies, release of state matching share for roads under execution through NABARD for their speedy completion, immediate release of funds against work done liabilities in Chatroo, Kishtwar and Gandoh R&B divisions, release of funds for completion of Dak Bunglows at Chingam, Jakyas, Malanoo, Sinthan, Kuriya, Thakrie, Sarthal, Mangthalla and Sigdi.

Speaking on the grants of Forest department, Saroori asked the forest minister Lal Singh that Gujjars and Bakerwals should not be harassed in forests and allowed to repair their Kothas.“Gujjars and Bakerwals shouldn’t be harassed in forests and be allowed to repair their temporary Kothas and Dhokas.” “They are being harassed while repairing their Dhokas,” he alleged adding that they have rights over the forestland. He also questioned the minister over allocation of funds under the CAMPA scheme. “I don’t want to tell where funds have gone,” he said.

He hailed the Minister for handing over of timber distribution work to JKSFC but he demanded for opening of more timber depots in Inderwal Constituency. He asked the government to upgrade the damaged infrastructure of forest and its allied Department's assets under CAMPA in his Constituency. He also pleaded for enhancing of compensation being given to man-animal conflict cases. He appreciated the government's decision for engagement of Rehber-e-Janglat policy. He pointed out that the Forest Department has not issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for clearance of eight sanctioned PMGSY roads in his Constituency and urged the government for early issuance of the same so that the construction works on these prestigious road projects to be taken up at an earliest.

Earlier as soon as proceedings of the House began, Congress MLA G. M Saroori slammed the police for use of force by police on Gujjars who were protesting against the murder of eight-year-old girl in Hiranagar area of Kathua district echoed in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, with legislators seeking action against the policemen involved in the lathi-charge. Many people were injured in police action. This is not the way,” Saroori said.