In a meeting held at Raj Bhavan, Governor Satya Pal Malik reviewed the progress of construction of bunkers, which have salience for the people living in the border districts, especially during escalation of border tensions.
Governor was informed that 10,260 number of bunkers are tobe constructed in the border districts viz. Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri andPoonch. These are being executed by the PWD and Rural Development Departmentand till date, 2041 bunkers have been completed and work plan has also beenprepared to accomplish the remaining assignment in a time bound manner.
Governor expressed his satisfaction over the progress inexecution observing that in the past the construction of bunkers had remainedsluggish which has gained traction during the recent months. However theexecuting agencies and Deputy Commissioners were directed to accord primacy tothe construction of bunkers – it is a felt need in the border areas. 215bunkers in the districts Samba and Poonch which were being executed by PWD andhave remained un- allotted/untendered were decided to be constructed throughRDD to ensure their speedy completion.
With regard to ex-gratia relief to the victims of crossborder firing, Governor was informed that the relief has been paid in respectof all the eligible/ approved cases of death, permanent disability, injuriesand damage to crops, houses and livestock, upto March 2019. The assistance hasalso been provided under SRE in respect of 73 cases and central assistance to50 cases.
Governor expressed his satisfaction, especially with regardto disposal of relief cases of the DPs of 1947, 1965 and 1971 after beinginformed that out of 26,000 families which had applied, the cases in respect of23,576 families have already been sanctioned for release of payment, which ismade directly into the accounts of the recipients.