All villages in J

Srinagar, Mar 6 (UNI) Claiming that majority of the infrastructure damaged during the 17-year-long militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has been reconstructed, Minister for Works Gulchain Singh Charak said by 2009, all the far-flung and remote villages in the state will be connected by road.

He said every day three new roads were being constructed in the state and the process will continue till March 31 this year.

However, he did not mention city roads which were totally damaged making the movement of vehicles almost impossible.

However, he expressed concern over the projects started without any formal approval and funds and left mid-way burdening the state exchequer.

Participating in a live television programme here, Mr Charak said bridges, school buildings, hospitals and other infrastructure damaged due to militancy have been reconstructed by a liberal Central assistance.

The minister said by 2009 all the remote villages, having the population of 250 persons, would be connected by road with the main towns.

This will cost Rs 5400 crores and is funded under Prime Minister Grameen Sarak Yogna (PMGSY).

Regarding a query about incomplete and pending projects, Mr Charak said it was unfortunate that a number of works had been started in different parts of the state without any formal approval from the government.

''I have seen some projects started some 20 years ago but still not completed'', he admitted.

He said the state government has decided to examine each and every such case and work on important projects will be started soon.

He said the state government will take up the matter of such project funding with the Centre.

Mr Charak said the state government has identified 450 new projects and forwarded them to NABARD, Mumbai for requisite funding.

The minister assured that Bemina bridge, work on which was started in 1998, will be completed by September this year.

UNI