Javed Rana Inaugurates Key Infrastructure Projects in Mendhar

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

MENDHAR, APRIL 07:- In a significant push to strengthen public infrastructure in border areas, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in the Mendhar constituency.

These initiatives aim to enhance essential services, improve connectivity and promote socio-economic development in the area.

The Minister inaugurated a newly constructed Food Store Building at Mendhar, developed by the Public Works (R&B) Department under the FCS & CA sector for the year 2024–25. Built at an estimated cost of Rs. 151.80 lakh, the facility is expected to significantly strengthen the public distribution system (PDS) by improving storage capacity and ensuring better availability of essential commodities for the local population.

In a major step towards promoting education and empowerment of young women, the Minister also inaugurated a 100-bedded Girls Hostel (G+1) at Mendhar. The hostel, constructed under the SAMAGRA (PAB) 2022–23 programme at a cost of Rs. 259 lakh, will provide safe and improved residential facilities for girl students, thereby encouraging greater access to education in the area.

Further advancing infrastructure development, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a 300-metre span RCC motorable bridge and culvert on the Jugal–Salwah Road, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 120 lakh. This project is expected to improve accessibility, facilitate smoother transportation and boost economic activities in the adjoining areas.

During the visit, the Minister also inspected and reviewed the progress of several ongoing projects, including Synthetic Athletic Track at Bhatidhar, 50 MVA, 132/33 KV Grid Station at Kottan, Mendhar, Polyhouses with High-Density Plantation under HADP. He emphasized the importance of timely completion of these projects to ensure that their benefits reach the people without delay.

The event was attended by several senior officers, including Ashok Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Poonch; Manoj Gupta, Chief Engineer I&FC Jammu; Hanief Choudhary, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Jammu; Gul Sayed, Director Horticulture Jammu; Arshad Hussain Reshi, Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL; and Ravi Kant, Chief Engineer (Projects) JPDCL, along with other district and departmental officials.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to equitable and inclusive development, with special emphasis on border and remote regions.

He highlighted that investments in infrastructure, education and connectivity are crucial for accelerating growth and improving the overall quality of life.

The Minister further assured that the Government will continue to prioritise people-centric initiatives aimed at strengthening public services and driving holistic development in border areas.