Kupwara, once a hub of militants, on way to development

Srinagar, July 8 (UNI) The social and general services got major share in the Rs 64.12 crore district plan approved for Kupwara, once the hub of militancy in north Kashmir, bordering Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

An official spokesman said the current year's district plan has been approved for Rs 64.12 crore which include's Rs 18.62 crore as revenue component and Rs 45.50 crore as capital component which is higher than last year,s allocation for capital component.

He said under the Plan, Rs 31.56 crore was earmarked for social and general services, Rs 5.59 crore for agriculture and allied sectors, Rs 6.30 crore for rural development and Rs 11.70 crore for communication.

The plan was approved at a District Development Board meeting chaired by the state Minister for Irrigation and Flood control, Tourism and Horticulture Mohammad Dilawar Mir.

The meeting was also informed that during current financial year, 36500 hectares of land would covered under high yielding varieties for which 600 quintals of improved seed would be distributed among the farmers and the food production was expected 136 metric tonnes.

Whereas under Animal Husbandry Sector Milk production was targeted at 49 metric tonnes and egg production 0.22 lakh. Under PMRY 34 works were being taken up.

Similarly under Sheep Husbandry sector, 18.35 lakh kgs of mutton production and 5.36 lakh kgs of wool production was expected.

Under R&B sector, 85 kms of road length would be metalled, 10 kms shingled and 35 kms blacktoped.

Giving the resume of the previous year's achievements, the District Development Commissioner informed that Rs 70.47 crore were incurred under the district plan which include Rs 29.37 crore as revenue component and Rs 41.09 crore as capital component which is 93 per cent of the total plan.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Kupwara district being a border and backward area would be provided liberal financial assistance to further accelerate developmental tempo there.

He said all available resources would be pooled to improve and upgrade basic amenities to bring Kupwara at par with other districts of the state.

UNI