Airport needed for Kurukshetra development: SC panel member

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, December 3

Ishwar Singh, member of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSCs), said today that the authorities were being negligent in redressing the infrastructural development of Kurukshetra.

A city resident and former Rajya Sabha, Ishwar Singh said without air connectivity, Kurukshetra could not be developed as a destination for international tourism.

He said an airport would further fulfil requirements of the adjoining Karnal district, a hub of several national research institutes where foreign delegates visited frequently.

He said the Centre had earmarked a budget of Rs 97 crore to develop four ancient religious sites, but key infrastructure development issues in the city remained untouched in the plan.

Illegal encroachments and poor traffic management were among the major eyesore in the city.

“Three railway crossings lead to traffic chaos and the city requires underpass or over bridges. Transport system with modern amenities is a must to attract visitors,” said the member.

A former member of the stand committee of the Railways Ministry, he said the Centre in 2012 had announced to equip the local railway station with all modern amenities.

But there was no development on the proposal.

“Similarly, a plan to construct a shopping mall near the railway station has been pending. It was proposed to sell products at highly competitive prices to the visitors on their arrival in the city,” he added.

DG Health inspects Civil Hospital

Kurukshetra: Ahead of the President’s visit, newly appointed Director General, Health Services, Dr Praveen Garg inspected Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Civil Hospital here on Saturday. He also took stock of medical care arrangements as hundreds of visitors are coming to the city to attend International Gita Mahotsav at Brahma Sarovar. Garg held a meeting with doctors and directed them to remain alert to handle any emergency situation. Later, the DG briefed mediapersons that the department would intensify its campaign against female foeticide. He lauded the role of the health authorities in various districts for acting effectively against any complaint of unscrupulous elements indulged in gender determination of foetus.