JAMMU: The J&K government will construct 110 footbridges in the Jammu and Udhampur districts of the state at a cost of Rs 48 crore.
The Minister for Rural Development Abdul Haq today said that under the new concept of convergence of funds, sustainable assets are being created under MGNREGA in the rural areas of the state instead of resorting to futile works on political considerations.
He also called for utilising funds under convergence scheme for completion of long pending works before taking up new projects.
The minister said under this programme 156 works, including 110 footbridges, are being taken up by the Rural Development Department in Udhampur and Jammu at a cost of Rs 48 crore.
The minister said this at a function organized in connection with the foundation-laying ceremony of a bridge at Panchayat Hartyan in district Udhampur. The bridge is being constructed as a part of the project Rahat.
He said 110 bridges are being constructed in Jammu and Udhampur.
Haq said convergence initiative with MNREGA will not only ensure speedier execution of works, but will also ensure that the works which were started some 10 years back will finally see the light of the day.
The minister said the government is committed to give 'Rahat' to the people especially students.
He said that under the scheme, 110 footbridges will be constructed this year to connect schools, remote hamlets, livestock routes, ration supply lines and other unconnected habitations in the Udhampur district.
Haq said the construction of these footbridges will be a boon for more than 20,000 students of 150 schools in the districts besides benefitting a population of more than 1.60 lakh.