J-K: Infrastructure projects gets major boost as government pushes construction works
Rajouri, August 9
Infrastructure development works get a major boost in Kalakote subdivision of Rajouri district, with the aim of providing better facilities to students, government employees and the general public.
Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), Roads and Buildings (R&B), Kalakote, Vikas Gupta, said several projects were being executed in the division, including school buildings, higher education buildings, ward roads and Central Road Fund (CRF) roads.
"Several projects are currently underway in our division, including work on school buildings, higher education buildings, ward roads, and CRF roads. Additionally, the tendering process for municipal works is about to begin, after which those projects will also commence," Gupta said.
He said notices had been issued to contractors to expedite the ongoing works as rainfall subsides and complete and hand over the projects at the earliest.
Giving details of some of the projects, Gupta said a single-classroom unit was being constructed at a cost of Rs 7.47 lakh, while an ETT building project was valued at Rs 1.40 crore. He said the veterinary hospital building had been completed, while the Power Development Department (PDD) building project was valued at Rs 184 lakh.
Teacher Naseeb Singh, a local resident, said the existing school building had several problems, including a leaking roof and broken windowpanes, which caused inconvenience to students.
"I am a local resident, and I want the best possible outcome for the school...we face significant issues with the building; the roof of the old structure leaks, causing repeated inconvenience to the students. The windowpanes are broken, and we lack direct means for repairs. We have high hopes pinned on the new building that has been constructed," Singh said.
He said the construction quality of the new building was good and appreciated the work carried out by the local contractor.
Singh also requested that the remaining minor works be completed at the earliest so that the building could be handed over to the school and students could start using it.
Meanwhile, flash floods have caused extensive damage to agricultural land and crops along rivers and streams in the Saaj and Plangher areas of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri, with affected farmers reporting heavy losses.
An affected local said the floods following heavy rain on July 19 eroded land beneath houses and swept away paddy fields, maize crops, livestock enclosures and other assets.
"When it rained on July 19, and the floodwaters surged at night, the stream eroded the ground beneath our houses. People's paddy fields, maize crops, and other assets were all washed away by the current," the local said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Infrastructure boost is welcome, but I worry about the flash floods mentioned. Land erosion and washed-away crops affect the lives of locals directly. Hope the government also prioritises flood control measures alongside construction works.
As someone from J&K, I appreciate the effort to improve schools and hospitals. The teacher's plea for the repair of the leaking roof and broken windows is especially relatable. Our children deserve safe learning spaces. 🙏
It's nice to see the construction going on in Kalakote. However, I wish the article had more details on the flood relief—many farmers in the Saaj and Plangher areas must be in distress. Development works are good, but rehabilitation is equally important.
Finally, some attention to our border subdivisions! The road connectivity and school buildings are a big relief for students who travel far. Just hope the contractors deliver quality work on time, and that the rains don't delay the tendering process again.
This is a positive step for Rajouri, but I hope the administration also looks into the flood damage. The story of the local resident losing paddy fields and livestock is heart-wrenching. Development should include disaster resilience, not just buildings.
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