JAMMU, OCTOBER 10: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FS&CA), Information Technology (IT), Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today undertook an extensive development programme in the Chhamb area, laying the foundation stones for five important infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening rural connectivity, improving veterinary healthcare and addressing the developmental needs of local communities.
The projects include construction of a road connecting New Mattoo with Old Mattoo, a road from Panjtoot to Thanger Pattian, a culvert at Kacharial, a veterinary hospital at Millan Di-Khui in Panchayat Samwan, and a link road connecting Bandowala with Upper Pallanwala. The initiatives are aimed at improving road connectivity, facilitating access to essential services, supporting agricultural and allied activities, and improving the overall quality of life of people in the area.
The Minister said that infrastructure development remains a key priority, with particular emphasis on projects that directly address the day-to-day concerns of people and strengthen the foundations of rural development. He observed that well-connected villages, accessible healthcare facilities and dependable public infrastructure are essential for balanced regional growth and the economic well-being of rural communities.
Laying the foundation stone for the road connecting New Mattoo with Old Mattoo, Satish Sharma emphasised the importance of strengthening internal road networks to facilitate smoother movement and improve connectivity between adjoining habitations. The project is expected to make daily commuting more convenient for residents and improve access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, markets and other essential services.
The Minister also laid the foundation stone for the road from Panjtoot to Thanger Pattian, reiterating that improved rural road infrastructure is essential for connecting communities with economic opportunities and public services. He said that better road connectivity helps farmers transport agricultural produce, facilitates the movement of people and goods, and contributes to the overall socio-economic development of rural areas.
Emphasising the need to ensure that development reaches every habitation, Satish Sharma observed that roads are vital links between communities and opportunities. He said that sustained investment in rural connectivity would help address local infrastructure gaps, reduce difficulties faced by residents and strengthen the region’s development potential.
While laying the foundation stone for the culvert at Kacharial, the Minister underscored the importance of strengthening local infrastructure to ensure safer and smoother movement. The construction of the culvert is expected to improve accessibility and facilitate the movement of residents and commuters, particularly during adverse weather conditions. He stressed that such infrastructure interventions play an important role in improving public convenience and ensuring more reliable connectivity.
The Minister also laid the foundation stone for a veterinary hospital at Millan Di-Khui in Panchayat Samwan, highlighting the importance of accessible animal healthcare services for farmers and livestock owners. The proposed facility is expected to strengthen veterinary healthcare infrastructure in the area, facilitate timely treatment of livestock and provide improved support to families dependent on animal husbandry for their livelihoods.
Satish Sharma observed that animal husbandry remains an important component of the rural economy and a significant source of income for numerous households. He emphasised that strengthening veterinary services is essential for improving livestock health, supporting farmers and enhancing the productivity of allied agricultural activities. He stressed the need to develop veterinary infrastructure in accordance with prescribed standards so that livestock owners can access reliable and timely services.
The Minister further laid the foundation stone for the construction of a link road from Bandowala to Upper Pallanwala, aimed at improving connectivity and facilitating the movement of people and goods. The project is expected to make daily travel more convenient for residents and strengthen access to markets, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and other public services, while also supporting local economic activity.
Satish Sharma said that development initiatives must be guided by the needs and aspirations of the people, with a clear focus on improving public services, strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring equitable development across regions. He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure gaps and extending the benefits of development to communities requiring improved connectivity and essential facilities.
The Minister stressed the importance of timely execution, quality construction and effective monitoring of all development works. He called upon the concerned departments and executing agencies to ensure adherence to prescribed technical standards and completion within stipulated timelines so that the intended benefits reach the public without unnecessary delay.
He observed that the coordinated development of roads, culverts and veterinary healthcare facilities would contribute significantly to improved public convenience, stronger rural livelihoods and enhanced economic opportunities. Such initiatives, he said, reflect the broader focus on people-centric development and the strengthening of essential infrastructure in rural areas.
Satish Sharma reiterated that sustained efforts would continue to be made to address the developmental priorities of Chhamb and adjoining areas, ensuring that infrastructure projects translate into tangible benefits for residents and contribute to the region’s long-term progress.