Javed Rana lays foundation stones for development projects in Mankote

Mankote, Sep 15: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Tuesday laid the foundation stones for multiple major development projects worth Rs 64.44 crore in Mankote area.
These ambitious projects will give significant impetus to drinking water supply, road connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the area.
During a public outreach programme at Dullian Sandote, the Minister laid the foundation stones for four Water Supply Schemes under UT CAPEX with a combined estimated cost of Rs 8.60 crore. These included Water Supply Scheme Keri Kandi Kangra costing Rs 2.25 crore, WSS Balakot Sandote costing Rs 2.15 crore, WSS Prawa Dharati Panjani Phase-II costing Rs 2.75 crore and WSS Kund Manjhari worth Rs 1.455 crore.
The Minister also laid the foundation stones for five PMGSY road projects involving an investment of around Rs 55.09 crore. These included Kanti Gala to Dhratti Road costing Rs 13.26 crore; Balakote Behrote to Dullian Sandote Road costing Rs 5.92 crore; Sanghiote Road to Hattain Ferozalan Road costing Rs 9.78 crore; Basooni Behruti Road to Behroti Lower costing Rs 20.17 crore and Basooni Hansal to Khana Goda Gopal Road costing Rs 5.96 crore.
The road projects are aimed at improving all-weather connectivity in the remote and hilly areas, facilitating the movement of people and goods and strengthening access to markets, healthcare, education and other essential services.
In the healthcare sector, Rana laid the foundation stone for construction of two 30-bedded wards at PHC Dhargloon, Tehsil Balakote, at an estimated cost of Rs 74.95 lakh under the District CAPEX Budget (ABDP) 2025-26. The expansion will augment the bed capacity of the health facility and improve access to medical services for residents of Balakote and adjoining areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Rana said that ensuring balanced and inclusive development of remote and border areas remains a key priority of the Government.
Rana said drinking water security remains one of the foremost priorities of the Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “Access to safe and adequate drinking water is a basic necessity, and these schemes will address the demands of people living in remote and hilly habitations,” he said.
Referring to the PMGSY projects, the Minister said that improved road connectivity is the backbone of development and would help open new avenues of economic activity while ensuring easier access to markets and essential services. He stressed the need for timely completion and quality execution of all the projects.
During the public outreach programme, Rana interacted with the local population and listened to their issues and developmental demands. He apprised the people of the major projects being taken up in the area and assured them that their genuine concerns would be taken up with the concerned departments on priority.
The Minister directed the concerned officers to ensure close monitoring, quality execution and timely completion of all ongoing and newly initiated works so that the benefits reach the people at the earliest.