Jammu, Feb 01 (KNS): CPI (M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami today raised various issues on worsening power infrastructure scenario and urban & housing development in Assembly.
While participating in the discussion on grants of PDD and urban development in Legislative Assembly today, he alleged that around 266 Cr projects under PMDP were awarded unofficially on very high rates on 31-05-2017 without any finance department, SDRC (State Distribution Reforms Committee) and Cabinet Approval.
Till date the Cabinet approval is pending for Project Implementation Agency (PIA). It is being alleged that around 4000 Cr Projects under PMDP are awarded to few selective CPSUs on nomination basis without following set procedure in vogue and CVC guidelines and rules.
He demanded that the Minister concerned should clarify the same on the floor of the House. He regretted that Grid Station at Alastang despite having been taken up for execution in 2008 under PMRP-2004 but till date the same has not been completed for various reasons as a result of which the power scenario could not be upgraded in the valley adversely affecting the energy availability during harsh winter. Kulgam and Shopian areas being hilly and farflung are facing the brunt on this account. Three years of the coalition government has lapsed but power scenario has been playing hide and seek particularly in peak seasons.
Referring to Urban and Housing Development, he regretted that out of 78 cities and towns in the state only less than 10 Master Plans have been notified till date because of lack of professional planners in the department and the government seems to be insensitive to engage professionals to expedite the formulation of master plans. Kulgam master Plan is being prepared since last 10 years but has not been finalized as yet. He demanded that recruitment rules need to be revised, department reorganized and strengthened to ensure early preparation of the master Plans across the state.
The sewerage and drainage system in Kulgam is in dilapidated condition and no concrete measures are being devised to upgrade it. Kulgam and other small towns are totally neglected in respect of implementation of various centrally sponsored schemes including AMRUT. Environmental concerns are being ignored. Solid Waste Management Programme has not been upto the mark and dumping of waste material in the towns and cities has created havoc and health hazardous conditions. Construction of community/public toilets under SBM in Kulgam is in slow pace. Houseless in cities and towns especially in slums are not being provided shelter. (KNS)