RAJOURI, March 15: Reaffirming the government's commitment to improving road infrastructure and ensuring better accessibility for the public, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary laid the foundation stones for several road development projects in the Nowshera constituency of Rajouri district on Saturday.
During his day-long visit to the area, the Deputy Chief Minister also conducted extensive public outreach programmes to hear grievances and developmental concerns from local residents.
On the occasion, he laid the foundation stone for the construction and maintenance of the link road from Auto Stand Kheri to Masjid Potha East in Block Seri under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. The 4-kilometre project has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹927.62 lakh and is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother transportation for the local population.
In addition, foundation stones were laid for two more road projects—Dwaka to High School Moh Potha and Gania to Patli (Link Road)—which aim to strengthen rural road infrastructure and improve access to essential services in the region.
Following the ceremonies, the Deputy Chief Minister interacted with residents during public outreach sessions, where people raised several issues and development demands.
Among the key concerns highlighted by locals were the construction of a road from Mangal Devi to Shamshan Ghat, forest clearance for development works, scarcity of drinking water, establishment of a library at Panchayat Gagrote, construction of a community hall at Gania, development of a mini sports stadium near Gania School, and the poor condition of the road from Chowki to Langhar.
Addressing the gathering, Surinder Choudhary reaffirmed the government's resolve to accelerate development activities and ensure that essential facilities reach every part of the region. He assured the public that the issues raised would be taken up with the concerned departments for prompt resolution.
He also directed officials to prepare development plans in consultation with the local population so that projects align with the actual needs and priorities of the community.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister visited several local areas in Nowshera to review developmental requirements and interact with residents.
Among those present were Additional Deputy Commissioner Nowshera Pritam Lal Thapa, Divisional Forest Officer Nowshera Shweta Deonia, SE PWD (R&B) Devi Dayal, DDE Mohd Nawaz Choudhary, ACD Auqil Naveed, ALC Pradyot Gupta, EXEN PWD (R&B) Sarwar Mehmood, along with other district and sectoral officers and a large number of local residents.