Srinagar, Oct 16: Forest Minister, Mian Altaf, and MLA Gurez, Nazir Gurezi, have become the first civilians to travel on an alternative road connecting Drass in Kargil district with Gurez in Bandipore district, sources told Greater Kashmir on Saturday.
 They said a 120-km alternative road being constructed from Drass, coldest place in Asia, to Bandipore by Border Road Organizations is likely to be thrown open for public in a year’s time. “Minister and the MLA along with other officials traveled on the road on Friday. They covered the distance of 60- kilometers from Drass to Tulail Valley in 3-hours and it took 2-more hours for them to reach Gurez from Tulail,” sources added.
 They said the opening of this new road would prove to be a boon for residents of both districts.
 Meanwhile, Mian Altaf during the tour took review of the timber and firewood supply in Gurez sub-division, an official spokesman said.
 Minister also directed the forest officers to ensure public participation in preservation and development of medicinal plants. He said the activity has a tremendous scope once adopted as a profession.
 Minister also inspected various developmental works being carried out in Gurez sub-division. He also inspected the under construction Tourist Reception Centre, Gurez.
 Mian Altaf  announced forest information hut  at Angikoot after the MLA Gurez pleaded for the facility.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Oct 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Oct 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:00:00 IST