Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Ch. Lal Singh reiterated that Government has taken up several projects to improve road network in all the parts of the State which holds key to socio economic development of area. The Minister said this while kick starting the blacktopping work of road connecting Dhar Mahanpur with Basohli-Kathua link road. The work on 20 km road link will be executed by PWD(R&B) for which Rs 6 crore has been sanctioned so far. Later, the Minister also convened a Public Grievance Redressal Camp at Dhar Mahanpur in Basohli. Dhar Mahanpur has been blessed with natural scenic beauty with good forest cover which can be further developed as attractive tourist destination, the Minister added. He said Government has focused its attention on developing locations having tourist potential to increase footfall which can generate employment and further enhance the socio- economic condition of the locals. Ch. Lal Singh added that people of places like Dhar Mahanpur bear additional responsibility to conserve the natural beauty of this place and act as true guardian of this green wealth. He appealed people to take up aforestation on mission mode to maintain natural ecology, beauty and equilibrium of the area. The Minister informed that various projects are underway under tourism sector to improve infrastructure in Panagar which includes 4 huts besides a guest house in the area. He said an extensive road web will be laid under PMGSY scheme to improve connectivity of Dhar Mahanpur with its peripheral locations. The Minister further directed Divisional Forest Officer to take up the plantation work in the compound of Government Higher Secondary School Dhar Mahanpur. He said that Rs 7.5 lakh has been released for compound wall of the Higher Secondary School. He directed Chief Education Officer Kathua to undertake the renovation work of higher secondary school on priority. Among others Ex MLA Basohli Kanta Andotra, RD PCB Shokat Ali, CCF A. K Singh, ACD Kathua, SDM Basohli and other concerned officers were present on the occasion.
