Speed up work on key infra projects, says MLA

Shahpur MLA Kewal Singh Pathania, who is also Deputy Chief Whip of the Congress in the Vidhan Sabha, on Friday chaired a meeting with the officials of key departments and assessed the progress made on vital infrastructure projects in Bharmour.

Pathania said that the monsoon disaster had caused extensive damage in Chamba district, leading to the complete blockade of the Pathankot-Bharmour National Highway-154-A. He appreciated prompt response by the district administration and said that the restoration of the highway in record time was “highly commendable”.

He took note of geographical vulnerabilities and unstable soil conditions along the Chamba-Bharmour road stretch and directed the Executive Engineer of the National Highways Division to conduct soil testing through a modern laboratory. He added that a scientific approach and a dedicated special action plan were essential for ensuring the long-term safety and durability of the highway.

Pathania also reviewed the condition of various link roads in Bharmour subdivision. He said that a budgetary provision would be made for the construction of a 2.5-km road from Kalhaur to Tiyula in Sehli gram panchayat. He instructed the officers concerned to expedite departmental formalities.

Pathania said that the Electricity Board had suffered major losses during the rain disaster but power supply in the region had now been fully restored.

He expressed concern over the rising cases of sheep and goat theft and directed the Animal Husbandry Department to prepare a structured plan to curb such incidents and ensure the safety of local shepherds.

He instructed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure clean, regular and timely drinking water supply in the region and continue routine water quality testing. The Deputy Chief Whip issued necessary directions regarding the construction of a new building of Government Senior Secondary School, Koonr. He also announced Rs 20 lakh for the renovation of the Mata Mandir at Sungred in Koonr.