Tasaduq Hussain
Kupwara, Jul 7: Day after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the DDC Chairperson Kupwara Friday said that the district will soon see a new dawn of development.
He praised the Lt Governor for keenly listening to their grievances during an hour-long meeting.
Addressing a news conference in Handwara District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson Irfan Pandithpori said that all the core developmental issues were discussed with Sinha.
The issues, he said include Medical College Handwara, Bandipora- Lolab road, Sadhna Tunnel, Four Lane, Tourism, Bungus, and many other constituency-specific problems.
The DDC Chairperson said that the LG assured them the work on the much-awaited Bandipora- Lolab road will be started without any delay.
He stated that the Lt Governor also assured them funds will be allocated to the Government Medical College. “The expenditure for GMC super specialty hospital has gone above Rs 45 crore. We have been assured that if it requires 70 crores for completion, they will be cleared. It will ease the suffering of patients who have to travel to Srinagar for treatment,” the DDC Chairperson said.
Panditpuri said that Bungus can prove a game changer for Kupwara district and help youth earn their livelihood from tourism activities.
“Bungus road connectivity and tourism promotion were also discussed. The permanent CEO for LBDDA will be appointed very soon,” the Chairperson said.
Four-lane road connectivity is on the cards for Kupwara, he said.
“We don’t want to bother people to dismantle their homes to carve a way. We are finding a better alternative to ensure the lesser damage is caused.”
After meeting the LG and receiving assurances from him about the development of the district, he said that he can assure that there will be a new dawn in Kupwara very soon.
Pandithpori stated that there are issues as of now concerning the availability of basic facilities in Bungus. However, he added that they will be addressed soon.
About Sadhna tunnel, he said the matter is with the Prime Minister’s Office and is under consideration. “It is a big project and needs a massive amount of funds. For that reason it’s lying with the central government.”
On Railway connectivity, he said that as of now LG administration’s focus is to connect Kashmir valley with Jammu division. “Once that project comes to an end connecting Kupwara will be the priority.”
“Lignite in the Nichahama area was also discussed. There is a potential source for lignite. Teams will be sent there and most probably it will happen soon,” DDC chairperson said while praising LG for his prompt assurance.
On the poor power schedule and infrastructure, the chairperson said that it has been discussed. “People are facing immense hardships due to unscheduled power cuts during scorching heat. Smart meters will be installed for 24-hour electricity.”
About the languishing projects, he said that they have been assured they will be taken up soon.
On the education sector, the Chairperson said that they have received a 100 crore rupees project. “We have directed the CEO to take the damaged school buildings in this project. We have enough funds to meet the challenges in the education department. Every problem concerning infrastructure will be met too,” Pandithpori said.
About the damage to vital bridges connecting different parts of the district, he said some major connectivities have suffered recently. “Damaged bridges will be taken up early for completion. DPR has been submitted and very soon some alternatives will be provided for the ease of the general public.”
