NAGROTA: Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana on Friday sought setting of an authority for remodeling Nagrota Constituency as an institutional hub, in view of its huge potential and close proximity with the capital city.
Launching a mega-macadimisation drive on Jagati-Bimyal Road stretch here this morning, Rana, who represents the constituency in the Legislative Assembly, said the vastness of open landmass, scenic splendour, tourism-cum-adventure spots and above all its strategic importance as gate-way to world renowned Mata Vaishno Devi and tourism-rich Kashmir Valley.
He said a gigantic effort and innovative approach is needed to harness Nagrota’s potential, on the analogy of similar successful experiments made in Delhi, Mumbai and other cities of the country. The concept, he said, assumes added significance in view of dwindling land in the highly congested capital city. He referred to the setting up of IIT in the area and said the constituency is already privileged to have Jammu’s mega golf-course in Sidhra. “Given these landmarks, there is need for flagging this constituency as an institutional hub”, he maintained.
Rana said that development should not become a subject-matter of political expediencies. “Since the area unfolds vistas of opportunities for various sectors, the government should rise above political considerations and have a working plan formulated with respect to developing Nagrota as an institutional hub”, he said, hoping this could be projected as a national project for central funding.
Highlighting the crucial importance of Nagrota Constituency, the MLA said the area remains in a vibrant mode round the clock due to 24×7 pilgrim influx besides tourist flow to the Valley as also Ladakh. He also referred to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and recently launched Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Specialty in its close vicinity, saying these will be thronged from people from across the country. Therefore, he said, the constituency is required to be developed on fast track basis as a special dispensation. “This may call for raising infrastructure on a massive scale so that various facilities are created for tourists and pilgrims”, he said, adding that this will be in addition to having institutional complexes, sports facilities, institutions of higher learning besides industrial estates.
Rana said the constituency is already under focussed attention, as several non-governmental organisations have been roped in to transform the area. He referred to his humble efforts of having a ten-bedded hospital set up by Power Grid Corporation and 15 government schools brought under the ambit of nation-wide scheme of Bharati Foundation. “As a representative of the area, I have also taken up with the Union Railway Minister the issues regarding development of the area under CSR initiative”, he maintained.
The MLA Nagrota said his endeavours won’t succeed without active cooperation of the people. In this regard, he complimented the people of the constituency for their regular feedback on various schemes and much needed suggestions for development of the area.
On macdamisation, Rana said this will go a long way in ensuring smooth connectivity. He urged the executing agency to ensure macdamisation as per laid down quality standards.