RWD tops in achievement ladder, aims at higher goals

Itanagar, May 5 (UNI) The Arunachal Pradesh Rural Works Department (RWD) has achieved success in the execution of roads development within four years under Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) scheme.

Minister for Road Chowna Mein yesterday lauded the chief engineer T Welly for the achievement and asked them to tighten their belts to take RWD to newer heights.

After reviewing the various activities related to rural roads, soil and water conservation and buildings, Mr Mein yesterday said, ''Developing rural infrastructure in the remote areas would remain the main thrust of his department.'' While 300 km road to benefit 14 habitations has already been completed under PMGSY, Phase-IV till March last, 231 villages to benefit 250 villagers are yet to be connected.

The flagship Bharat Nirman programme is also underway and a total of 93 villages with road length 1,104 km would be connected within 2009 and an action plan had been prepared to improve rural road connectivity within the 11th Plan Period.

However, phase-IV, V and VI of PMGSY, presently under implementation is expected to complete 400 km road this year to benefit around 60 villages, he said, adding that the Bharat Nirman proposal for Phase-VII, to provide connectivity to 14 habitations by road would also be taken up with the Union Ministry of Rural Development for approval and sanction.

Pointing out that the funds for maintenance of the core network of rural roads during the 11th Plan period would be taken up with the Centre, particularly the Planning Commission to allocate Rs 115 crore in the state plan, he added.

''While developing the department's official website we have provided facility for infrastructure, organisational chat and activities, rainfall data and progress report with an update at regular interval,'' the minister said at the launch of the site, and added that it would expedite the execution process through speedy communication.

UNI