Jammu, Jan 12: Minister for Forest and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad today said the government was keen on early completion of the Loran-Tangmarg project, which would connect parts of Poonch district here with Gulmarg resort in Kashmir.
 "The government is keen on completing the work on Loran- Tangmarg road connecting the border district with world famous Gulmarg resort and the prestigious project is bound to become a reality soon," he said at a meeting of Panchs and Sarpanchs in Poonch district.
 The road would connect Loran in Pooch district with Tangmarg and Gulmarg in Baramullah district in North Kashmir and promote trade and commerce.
 Listing the achievements of the government during last three years, the Forest Minister said that besides launching massive development activities under core sectors, the Omar led coalition government had made ‘record number’ of appointments through public Services Commission, SSB and Police Recruitment Board.
 He said the recruitment through these agencies would be further expedited during the coming years, besides creating employment avenues in private sector within and outside the state and even overseas.
 Making a special mention to the Sher-i-Kashmir Employment Programme for Youth, he said the scheme has started picking up and many youth are being provided every type of support to set up own ventures.
 Highlighting the developmental projects completed in the Poonch district, he said a massive road network has been laid by constructing a huge number of roads across the district under the Prime Minister’s Road Connectivity Programme. Altaf said, he had given special instructions to prioritize the forest clearance of PMGSY road projects in the far flung and border areas adding that there was hardly any project left in Poonch district which awaits the clearance from his department. He assured that if there was any it would also be cleared within fifteen days.
 He further assured that adequate firewood and timber would be provided to  the people provided for   genuine   use. He sought the cooperation of the people in protection of the green cover of the district, while asserting that the forests are the potential assets for the progress and prosperity of the state.
 “Huge funds have been provided to soil conservation department for raising the protections of the vulnerable areas to preserve the  fertile land, while demarcation of forests are in full swing under  Conservation, Protection, Regeneration And Management (CAMPA) in the district “ , he added
 Later the Minister, chaired a meeting of district level officers and reviewed the physical and financial achievements under various sectors. He directed the functionaries to ensure quick response to the problems of the people. He warned them against any laxity, while underlining the need for strict adherence to the Public Services Guarantee Act and Right to Information Act.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 IST