STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: The State Government said that it supports the demand for providing alternative connectivity to Chenab Valley with Kashmir province by way of construction of Singpora-Vailoo Tunnel.
In reply to A.Q No. 22 of Congress MLA G.M Saroori, Under Secretary to Government Public Works (R&B) Department said that the proposal of construction of Sinpora-Vailoo Tunnel still exists and government has not backtracked from it adding that Finance Department Vide Govt Order No. 238-F of 2015 dated 8th December 2015 has initiated to undertake various projects under Public Private Partnership mode.
Saroori stated that the department is in the process of recommending a few selected projects to Finance Department in the matter which includes the tunnel project on Singpora-Vailoo Road. He said the tunnel will provide alternative route to Kishtwar District of Jammu province with Kashmir throughout the year, besides, it will also increase trading facility as well as socio-economy of the areas which are considered as one of the most backward areas of the State.
Saroori also slammed the government for fixing of 60:40 ratio adding that BPL means BPL and there is no need to fix any criteria with regard to fixing of ratio. He said that some of the areas in Inderwal Constituency are 100 per cent BPL and demanded BPL ration cards to each deserving family without fixing any criteria. He also sought steps taken for proper identification of BPL families in the State for issue of new ration cards to them to ensure full coverage of this poor population under the schemes in vogue.