STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Governor N.N Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday reviewed the various ongoing development works and the future infrastructure requirements of Katra town and its surrounding areas.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Kumar Singh, Minister of State for Finance and Planning Ajay Nanda, Chief Secretary B.R Sharma and the senior officers of government and Shrine Board were present in the meeting.
The Governor observed that as the base town of the pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Katra is a fast expanding town where varied developments have taken place without reference to a Master Plan.
In this context, he emphasised that it is of crucial importance that all the stakeholders, including the state government and the Shrine Board, devote collective attention and adopt an integrated approach to the future developments of the town, devoting particular attention to the provision of sanitation, drinking water supply, sewerage, power supply, roads, health care and other civic amenities.
It was decided in the meeting that HLCC will be responsible for the implementation of all the schemes related to Katra town, including the Swachh Iconic Places Scheme which has been recently launched by the Government of India.
Expressing serious concern over continuing unplanned development, encroachments and violations of the Master Plan, the Governor stressed the need of strictly implementing the Master Plan.
It was also decided in the meeting that the state government shall urgently take up with the Central Government and seek assistance for Katra Town under AMRUT Scheme and also for benefit of Namami Gange Scheme being extended for the planned development of Banganga River. The Secretary Tourism Department was directed to submit the required plan on most urgent basis to the Government of India under PRASAD Scheme and thereafter vigorously follow up till all clearances are received.
The Governor also announced an assistance of Rs. 10 crore for developmental works in Katra town and its surrounding areas. He further observed that work on seven projects has already been started and work on nine other projects will be taken up immediately by the CEO of the Shrine Board.
Regarding the renovation and conservation of Bhimgarh Fort at Reasi, the Tourism Department was directed to ensure time bound completion of the project and early opening of the Fort for visitors.
Regarding implementation of the directions of the National Green Tribunal, the meeting was informed that Deputy Commissioner Reasi shall ensure regulation/removal of unauthorised and illegal shelter sheds along the Banganga river by or before 28th February, 2017.
Regarding upgradation of roads, it was informed that the required projects for improvement and widening of Jhajjar and Panthal road, including bridge over Jhajjar nallah, have already been prepared and submitted to the Central Government for funding under CRF.
The Governor directed for preparation of a project for the protection of the hill slopes of Jhajjar on Manthal-Kakryal road, which has been constructed by JKPCC.