Go by physical not political geography while deciding road projects

Srinagar, Jul 30 (UNI) Underscoring the need for going by physical and not political geography while deciding road projects, Jammu and Kashmir governor N N Vohra emphasised on the preparation of road master plan for all areas, especially in the difficult terrains of the State.

Meanwhile, the 84-km-long Mughal road will be ready by 2010.

An official spokesman said today in the first of a series of meetings Mr Vohra is taking to review the working of various departments, he had an in-depth appraisal of the R &B department even as he emphasised on the preparation of road master plan for all areas especially in the difficult terrains of the State.

He underscored the need for going by physical and not political geography while deciding road projects and called for technical and cost benefit analysis of the projects.

The Governor laid special emphasis on the quality of work and maintenance of the completed projects to ensure that the desired benefit reached the targeted population.

He said for the past few years there was no problem of funds in Jammu and Kashmir and asked the project executing agencies to utilise these in full.

He asked concerned officers to make an objective assessment of the requirement of road connectivity in a particular area and on the basis of resources and manpower see, ''how much work could be completed in a given period.'' Describing better connectivity as sure means for development, Mr Vohra said people would feel dissatisfied if roads were not in good shape.

He cited the instance of Poonch-Rajouri road and said it takes 11 hours to cover the distance from Jammu to Poonch due to the bad condition of the road.

In the meeting lasting over three hours, the Governor discussed in detail various projects taken up by the R &B department in the state and made enquiries about their current status, both in terms of funds and physical achievements.

He gave several instructions to bring about improvement and efficiency in the department.

Spokesman said Secretary, R&B, Shailendra Kumar briefed the Governor about areas of focus for the 11th Five Year Plan and current status of some important roads.

Mr Vohra sought details on the construction of the Mughal Road.

He was informed that 32 kms on either side of the 84 km road, connecting Shopian district of Kashmir Valley with Poonch district in Jammu division, have been done. The road would be completed in October 2010. The pace of work on Narbal-Tangmarg and Khanabal-Pahalgam roads was also reviewed.

UNI BAS SY RAI1318