STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Something which would give a massive push to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure post 2014 floods in the State, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti formally launched the World Bank funded mega development project, US $ 250 million Jhelum-Tawi Flood Recovery project here on Monday.
The project was conceptualised and pursued by former Chief Minister, late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in the aftermath of devastating floods of 2014 and today after completion of all formalities the project was formally launched.
Launching the project, the Chief Minister said alongside the political agenda, development of Jammu and Kashmir as a model State is the cornerstone of her Government. She said late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed had a political and developmental vision for J and K to make it a model state in the country which he pursued vigorously. She said the vision of the late leader would be fulfilled by the State Government with all seriousness. The Chief Minister said the late leader wanted to develop Jammu & Kashmir as a world class place befitting to the peace loving and hospitable nature of its people so that it becomes a show window not only within the country but in the world as well. The Chief Minister said to fulfill the dream of making a prosperous Jammu & Kashmir she would not only seek more and more funding from the Centre but also see how investment and expertise from countries around the globe can come to the State.
Referring to recent unfortunate incidents in the State during the past four months, Mehbooba Mufti said she is deeply hurt with the killing of young boys, injuries to people and also due to the loss of precious academic time of the young generation which, she said, is among the irreparable losses. She said the youth of Jammu & Kashmir have shown their talent time and again but the only thing is of opportunity and exposure. “Be it the youngest woman pilot from Baramulla, topper of BSF officers’ exam from Udhampur or many of the young boys and girls who cracked the prestigious all India civil services examinations, they all have made us proud”, she said.
Observing that the State is very fertile in producing genius, the Chief Minister, however, advised the youth to channelize their energies positively so that they are able to provide relief to the citizens of the State who have suffered due to neglect and insincerity during the past 70 years
On the issues confronting the State, the Chief Minister said the Agenda of Alliance reached out between the two ruling parties has made the progress on these issues mandatory and assured that whatever she or her party promised would be delivered but for that she said the Government needs to be given an ambience of peace so that it can focus on bigger issues rather than getting tangled in petty things like maintaining law and order. MoS for Planning, Ajay Nanda hoped that the project would ensure a developmental revolution in the State. Earlier in his introductory remarks, Financial Commissioner, Planning & Development, B. B. Vyas highlighted the main contours of this project.
