Srinagar, Oct 5: In a momentous occasion, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated multiple developmental projects worth over Rs 26 crore during a public function held at Boys Higher Secondary School in Kupwara.
The event witnessed Lt. Governor Sinha highlighting the remarkable developmental journey undertaken by Kupwara over the past three years.
The border district of Kupwara has seen significant progress in the infrastructure sector, showcasing the government’s steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents.
Emphasising that Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a new success story in the country, Lt Governor Sinha said underscored that a range of initiatives and a holistic approach to implementation are addressing the needs of marginalized sections of society.
“Breaking away from decades of neglect, Kupwara, along with other districts, is now firmly integrated into the mainstream of development and is witnessing the growth of a vibrant and inclusive economy,” Sinha said.
In the ongoing fiscal year, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has set ambitious goals, with a focus on completing 3241 development projects to ensure sustained growth and progress across all areas.
Lt. Governor Sinha also highlighted the execution of 20 major infrastructural projects in Kupwara, with a total investment exceeding Rs. 3144 crores. These projects are poised to play a pivotal role in driving future growth, fostering prosperity in both rural and urban areas, expanding the local market, and promoting entrepreneurship.
In a historic achievement, 2444 development works were completed in the previous fiscal year.
Moreover, in a ground breaking move, grid connectivity was extended to Keran and Machil in 2021-22, marking the first time in 73 years. This development has opened new pathways of progress and prosperity for 19 Panchayats near the Line of Control (LoC), securing their future and that of future generations.
Lt. Governor Sinha reiterated the administration’s commitment to harnessing Kupwara’s immense tourism potential, with the aim of transforming the socio-economic conditions of the region’s inhabitants and providing expanded opportunities to the youth.
He called upon Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives to encourage farmers to participate in schemes like PM Fasal Bima Yojana and promote the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations through Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS).
Lt. Governor Sinha also urged for collective efforts to engage at least 6,000 youth in self-employment ventures this year, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Responding to demands from PRI representatives, Lt. Governor Sinha pledged to strengthen mobile connectivity and enhance sports facilities in the district. He further urged citizens to fulfil their responsibilities by paying for services, noting that it is through such contributions that the government can provide assistance to those in need.
Responding to the demands projected by the PRI representatives, the Lt Governor assured that every possible step will be taken to strengthen the mobile connectivity and augment sports facilities in the district.
He further called upon the citizens to discharge their responsibility towards the government by paying for the services. Capable people should pay their power bills then only the government can waive off the bills of the poor, he said.
Irfan Sultan Panditpori, Chairman, District Development Council Kupwara and other PRI and ULB representatives expressed their gratitude to the Lt Governor-led UT Administration for addressing the development needs of the people of Kupwara.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary reiterated the commitment of the administration to tap the potential of the district across the sectors.
The projects worth Rs 26.84 crores inaugurated by the Lt Governor include construction of NTPHC at Nowgam, Langate; construction/ upgradation of Dhani Tadd upto Prada Pandov road at Tangdar; upgradation of 5-km road from Pandithpora Langate via Al Maqsood Colony Hajan; construction of eight roomed building at HSS Warnow Lolab and Water Supply Schemes at Machil, Athrota and Tangdar.
ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar ; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. Piyush Singla, Secretary Revenue; Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara; Riyaz Mir, President Municipal Council Kupwara; members of PRIs and ULBs; senior officials and people in large number were present.
