Kulgam, Dec 14:
Secretary Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Sheetal Nanda today laid foundation of flood protection bund at Zangalpora here. District Development Commissioner Kulgam, Dr Shamim Ahmad Wani, Director Rural Development Department Kashmir, Qazi Sarwar and other officers and officials were also present on the occasion. The bund is being constructed at an estimated cost of around RS 3 crore and once completed it would protect the inhabitants of Zangalpora, Kilam, Bozgam and other nearby areas from turbulent flow of Veshow river during floods. On the occasion, the Secretary was briefed by the RDD officials about the technicalities regarding the protection bund and how it will help in averting floods and benefit more than 11 villages in the area starting from Village Zangalpora. Interacting with the people of the area on the occasion, Sheetal said Panchayats have a significant role in development of the villages and people should monitor the works being executed in their respective areas to ensure quality material is used. She also assured that liberal funding will be provided for the construction of the bund. She also hailed the efforts of DDC and ACD Kulgam who played a proactive role in approving the project in convergence mode. Secretary Rural Development also inspected various works executed by RDD including concrete flood protection bund of Chambagund-Kutabal which has been completed in convergence mode already. Later, Sheetal chaired a review meeting with ACD and BDOs of the district to take stock of the ongoing works being executed during the current fiscal. The meeting was informed that 97% geo-tagging of assets has been completed in the district. Regarding the job cards, it was given out that district has a total number of 47828 job card holders. Secretary Rural Development exhorted upon the officers to complete all the works well in time. She also impressed upon concerned to cover all left-out beneficiaries under SBM.
