Guv reviews status of Mughal Road project

Srinagar, July 9

Governor NN Vohra went on a journey between Poonch and Shopian on Mughal Road on Monday afternoon to gain a first-hand assessment about the maintenance of this prestigious road link between the Rajouri-Poonch area and the Kashmir valley.

After a review meeting and interaction with the legislators of Poonch district, the Governor was scheduled to fly back to Srinagar. However, on being informed that he could not do so because of the inclement weather conditions over the Pir Panjal range, the Governor decided to return to the Valley by Mughal Road.

Adviser to Governor BB Vyas, Planning and Development principal secretary Rohit Kansal, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Verma, Poonch DIG, Deputy Commissioner and SSP accompanied the Governor up to Peer ki Gali where chief engineer of the Mughal Road project gave a presentation about its maintenance. This was the first ground reconnaissance of the road by the Governor.

Vohra also interacted with the locals along the road and certain visiting tourists and passengers at Peer ki Gali to know their about their experience of travelling on this road.

The Governor took serious note of the poor maintenance of the road and directed the Public Works Department to undertake a comprehensive audit of maintenance expenditure in the past three years. He also sought an immediate report for the failure of repair and maintenance works.

He also directed the chief engineer to undertake a comprehensive safety audit of the road and take all corrective steps to immediately repair the critical stretches. In response to the suggestions made by passengers, the Governor ordered the construction of five public toilets along the road and resting sheds for shelter. He also directed that the required repairs of the langar/sarai building at Peer ki Gali should be urgently carried out in consultation with the forest department and a report sent to him. — TNS