Rs. 82 Cr earmarked for channelisation of storm water drains: Bhalla

JAMMU: Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture, Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla on Tuesday said that government has released Rs. 82 crore under Jammu and Kashmir Urban Drainage Infrastructure Programme (JKUSDIP) for rehabilitation and channelisation of 20,313 meter length storm water drains at Channi Himmat, Trikuta Nagar Extension, Deeli, Nanak Nagar, Rani Talab, Marble Market, Digiana, Gangyal Industrial Area, Sanjay Nagar, Jeevan Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, Ashram and Dashmesh Nagar areas of Jammu city.
This was stated by the minister while addressing a gathering after kick starting the first phase of 4,920 meter long Thanger (T4) sub-project from Channi Himmat, here on Tuesday.
Bhalla said that the first phase of channelisation of 4,920 meter long Thanger (T4) of storm water drains would be completed within three months by Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) at cost of Rs. 20 crore.
He asked ERA to complete the project within stipulated time frame so that the people do not face any inconvenience during flash floods rainy season.
The minister said that under the this vital project for channelization of storm water drains, Rs. 35 crore has been earmarked for Gangyal drain, Rs. 14 crore for Ashram drain and Rs. 15 crore for Digiana drain. He said the construction work in rest of areas would be started immediately after the completion of the first phase of project which started today from Channi Himmat.
At Shastri Nagar, Bhalla also laid foundation stone for raising of culvert over Nallah, for which government has earmarked Rs. 25 lakh. He asked the ERA to complete the project within stipulated time frame. He said people of Shastri Nagar and Nanak Nagar have faced lot of hardship due to low height of the existing bridge resulting in water overflowing of Nallah and dirty water accumulating on the road.
At old Satwari near Peer Baba, the minister also inaugurated free medical camp organised by Health Department for flood affected people. He asked the health authorities to ensure adequate stock of medicines for early recovery of ailing people who suffered due to recent flash floods and heavy rains.
Bhalla also inspected the ongoing development works of Channi Himmat Sector-3 recreational park. He asked the J and K Housing Department to provide benches, illumination, Jullas besides modernization of existing platform by fixing latest technique tiles.