Shopian, Feb 4: In spite of the late finalization of the allocation and trouble in Shopian, this district has booked 77.56 percent plan expenditure this year so far.
 This was revealed at a district development boat meeting chaired by chief minister Omar Abdullah.
 The CM while underscoring the importance of Shopian with regard to Mughal Road Circuit said: “Our comprehensive tourist programme shall be initiated so that this circuit re-emerges on the tourist map.”
 He said after having a first drive on Mughal Road, he had himself found that there were centuries-old monuments and heritage places on both the sides of the road which were required to be showcased before the world.
 Omar said a well defined Mughal Road Tourist Circuit Master Plan shall be made where construction of new sarias, rest places, parks and gardens, heritage sites etc will be ensured in most scientific and professional manner.
 He said with the realization of the dream of Mughal Road which will be thrown open this year for public, the importance of Shopian will touch new heights and the local people and administration should remain prepared for providing necessary infrastructure to the tourists, who would throng this road.
 The CM said that the government had engaged two credible external agencies, Mackenzie and Nafcom to conduct survey about quality execution, time target and other important components of mega and micro development project. He said Mackenzie will take care of mega projects while Nafcom will conduct survey of NABARD projects.
 The CM said that Met experts foresee draught like situation in case it will not snow or rain for further one or two months. “Therefore,” he said, “all district authorities have to remain ready with contingency plans particularly by PHE, CA&PD, Agriculture departments etc without any delay so that necessary steps, as per local needs and situation, are taken in advance.”
 The Chief Minister while considering the demands putforth in the meeting released Rs. 1.50 crore for Shopian-Zainapora Road, Rs. 50 lakh for Shopian Degree College infrastructure, Rs. 20 lakh for Water Supply Scheme Sedew, Rs. 25 lakh for two water tankers, Rs. 8 lakh for transformer repair workshop, Rs. 6 lakh for land compensation and Rs. 1.10 lakh for Imam Sahib, Losedenew. He said the work on District Hospital will start soon for which Rs. 2.50 crore have been earmarked.
 Briefing about the achievements, DDC Shopian A. M. Khanday said that 78 percent expenditure has been registered in various schemes till January 2010 in district Shopian. Out of the allocation of Rs. 44.84 crore, an amount of Rs. 34.64 crore has been incurred on various schemes in this district.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 4 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 4 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST