File Photo: Trucks lined-up on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
The Jammu and Kashmir government is working on the strategies to remove "bottlenecks" which have been hampering the smooth execution of the four-laning of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The minister for Revenue, Javaid Mustafa Mir, directed Deputy Commissioners Jammu and Udhampur to take immediate steps for the "removal of bottlenecks" hindering widening of National Highway to ensure speedy execution and completion of the project, an official spokesman said.
"Mir yesterday convened a high-level meeting of officers to review the progress on four-laning of National Highway from Srinagar to Jammu and worked out on strategies to remove bottlenecks hampering smooth execution of these prestigious ventures," the official said.
He said that Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur and Project Director of NH1A besides other senior officers of Revenue and departments concerned attended the meeting.
The minister stressed upon the authorities to ensure timely compensation to the people who have been affected due to the said project, the official said.
The minister directed Project Director NH1A to ensure renovation of pond at Jhajjar Kotli and construct an overhead bridge near government school at Jhajjar Kotli to ensure safety of students.
Expressing concern over the plight of shopkeepers at Nandani, who have suffered losses in their business due to shifting of National Highway, the minister instructed the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, to ensure rehabilitation of these sellers on the new National Highway.
While reviewing progress of four-laning of National Highway in Udhampur district, the minister directed the NH1A authorities to clear balance of Rs 28 crore to Collector Udhampur by September 14, so that the amount could be distributed among the beneficiaries whose land has been acquired for widening purpose.
The minister directed Deputy Commissioner, Jammu to remove encroachment on various points along National Highway in Channi Himmat.
He also directed the Deputy Commissioners and Project Director NH1A for redoubling their efforts for timely completion of road widening works.
Divisional Commissioner Pawan Kotwal informed the minister about the status of various land acquisition cases which are being perused in the court.