Leh, June 15: Describing accessibility imperative for socio-economic development of far flung and mountainous areas, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is on a week’s tour of Ladakh region, today said that road connectivity has been flagged as one of the most important concerns in the development policy of the Government.
Talking to people here after reviewing the progress of various developmental schemes under implementation in various areas of Ladakh region, Omar said that new initiatives have been taken for construction of roads and boring of tunnels at various places to open up inaccessible and far flung areas.
“We are vigorously persuading for construction of tunnel on Zojila and upgradation of the Srinagar-Leh national highway”, he said expressing the hope that it would catapult the economics of Ladakh region. He said inter-district and inter-provincial connectivity is being given special attention to enhance accessibility and generate economic activities.
The Chief Minister said that five sectors of power, road connectivity, drinking water supply, health care and education have been focused for comprehensive development. “The public delivery system is being strengthened and made more effective to ensure benefits of the schemes to the people at grass roots”, he said.
The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for approving Rs. 950 crore power transmission lines from Srinagar to Leh. “This ambitious project would open new vistas of development in Ladakh region and help electrify more and more areas”, he added.
Omar also thanked the Prime Minister and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, for approving about Rs. 500 crore projects for generation of green energy in Leh and Kargil districts. This, he said, will reduce the dependence on diesel and petrol for generation of electricity.
The Chief Minister said that Government was aware of the demands and the requirements of the people about upgradation of basic amenities and “we are moving forward to this direction.”
Omar said that tourism sector promises greater scope for all round development of the State and Ladakh region has rich potential to attract tourists from all over the world. He said Government was paying attention for the improvement and growth of tourism in the State with special reference to Ladakh region.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST