Minister directs timely execution of road projects, forest conservation measures
Srinagar |: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, Tuesday chaired a detailed review meeting to assess the progress of ongoing Forest and PMGSY road projects in Rafiabad constituency.
The meeting was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir; Chief Engineer, PMGSY, Kashmir; Conservator of Forests, North Kashmir; Superintending Engineer, PMGSY; DFOs Langate and Baramulla besides other concerned officers.
During the meeting, the Minister took a detailed review of the status of ongoing road connectivity projects being executed under PMGSY and other Capex-funded schemes in Rafiabad and adjoining areas. He sought project-wise updates from the concerned officers, with focus on the pace of execution, completion timelines and issues hampering the progress of works.
Emphasizing the importance of road connectivity in accelerating development, Javid Dar said that effective implementation of public welfare and development projects is closely linked with reliable connectivity, particularly in rural and far-flung areas. He directed the concerned officers to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing road projects under PMGSY and other Capex funds within the stipulated timelines while maintaining quality standards and ensuring judicious utilization of public funds.
The Minister called for greater coordination among the concerned departments to address bottlenecks, streamline the execution process and ensure that the benefits of developmental schemes reach the people without delays.
Highlighting the considerable tourism potential of Rafiabad and its adjoining areas, Javid Dar stressed the need to create and upgrade infrastructure to facilitate tourism-related activities and promote local economic opportunities. He underscored that infrastructure development in the region must be pursued in a balanced and sustainable manner, ensuring that the ecological balance, natural beauty and forest identity of the area are preserved.
“Development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand. Our endeavour should be to create modern infrastructure while protecting the rich natural resources and forest wealth of the region,” the Minister maintained.
He called for coordinated planning and execution of road and other infrastructure projects so that developmental needs are met without compromising environmental sustainability.
The Minister directed the concerned officers to examine the pending issues on priority and ensure that all necessary clearances are processed expeditiously to avoid delays in the execution of important public infrastructure projects. He called for close coordination between the Forest and PMGSY departments to resolve inter-departmental issues, accelerate ongoing works and improve road connectivity in Rafiabad and adjoining areas.
