Poonch, Sep 17: Haveli MLA Ajaz Ahmed Jan on Wednesday laid the foundation stones for two road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), with a combined sanctioned cost of ₹18.17 crore.
The projects, covering a total of eight kilometres, are aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas of Poonch Haveli.
The first project, the 6-km Banga Pani-Pothi Pathana link road from Km 4.400 of the Poonch-Jhullas Road, has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹13.5864 crore. The second, a 2-km Chaktroo-Timbra road from Km 0.700 to U Timbra, has a sanctioned cost of ₹4.584 crore.
Speaking at the foundation stone ceremonies, Jan said better road connectivity was essential for the socio-economic development of rural and remote areas. He directed that the works be completed within the stipulated timeframe while adhering to approved specifications and quality standards.
Later, local representatives, including former sarpanches and panches, apprised the MLA of problems with drinking-water supply schemes in their areas.
They said several water motors were damaged or non-functional, causing difficulties for residents, and sought installation of hand pumps at locations facing shortages.
Jan assured the representatives that the issues would be taken up with the concerned authorities on priority. He said accountability would be sought for prolonged negligence and non-functional water infrastructure, with action to be taken wherever lapses were established.
He reiterated that reliable drinking-water supply was a basic public necessity and called for timely resolution of the concerns raised by residents.
