KISHTWAR, Sep 17: Senior Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader and spokesperson for the Chenab Valley region Ajeet Bhagat met Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and submitted a detailed memorandum seeking early resolution of several public issues concerning road connectivity in Kishtwar district.
During the meeting, Bhagat emphasised the urgent need to construct, upgrade and repair several roads in and around Pochhal and adjoining areas. He said improved connectivity was essential for the daily movement of residents and for access to educational institutions, government offices, healthcare facilities and markets.
Bhagat informed the Deputy Chief Minister that the issue had already been taken up with the concerned authorities. He said communication had previously been sent through the Chief Engineer to the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division Kishtwar, for preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the proposed roads. However, he expressed concern that considerable time had passed without substantial progress on the ground.
The works highlighted in the memorandum include the construction of a link road from Paribagh Pochhal to Sangram Bhata, which Bhagat said would provide much-needed connectivity to the local population.
He also sought construction of the Upper Pochhal to District Jail, Kishtwar link road, aimed at improving connectivity and facilitating the movement of residents and government employees.
Another demand was the construction of the Camp Ground to Upper Pochhal link road, which Bhagat said was important for improving connectivity for residents of the Upper Pochhal area.
The memorandum further sought construction of the Paribagh Upper Pochhal to Shiv Mandir Bhagat Basti link road, along with the link road connecting Shiv Mandir with Bhagat Basti, to provide safer and more convenient connectivity to local residents.
Bhagat also demanded urgent repair and improvement of the Pochhal–Arsi–Narangadi–Machgadi link road, stating that the existing road is in a poor and dilapidated condition and requires immediate attention.
The National Conference leader said delays in taking up these projects were causing difficulties for residents, particularly students, employees, patients, farmers and other people who depend on the roads for their daily transportation.
He urged the Deputy Chief Minister to issue necessary directions to the concerned PWD (R&B) authorities to expedite the preparation and finalisation of DPRs, take up the proposed link roads on a priority basis and undertake immediate repairs on damaged stretches.
Bhagat also raised allegations regarding delays in the execution of the road projects and said that earlier efforts had not resulted in tangible progress. He called for the matter to be addressed through appropriate administrative action in the larger public interest.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary listened to the issues raised by Bhagat and, according to the statement, assured him that the concerns regarding the roads would be addressed at the earliest.
Bhagat expressed hope that prompt action by the concerned departments would provide relief to the people and strengthen road connectivity in the affected areas of Kishtwar district.