Rs 88.92 cr annual plan approved for Shopian in south Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 28: An amount of Rs 88.92 crore annual plan for the year 2017-18 has been approved for south Kashmir district of Shopian, where an amount of Rs 40.26 crore has been expended against the availability of Rs 50 crore for last financial year. An official spokesman said here today that the District Development Board (DDB) meeting held under the chairmanship of Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Abdul Rehman Veeri unanimously approved the annual plan 2017-18 of Rs 88.92 crore for Shopian. Mr Veeri said that prioritised focus is being given on boosting horticulture and tourism sectors in the State and measures are afoot to improve economy of Shopian district by focused funding of projects under these sectors. District Development Commissioner (DDC) Manzoor Ahmad Qadri giving details about progress made under annual plan 2016-17 said that an amount of Rs 40.26 crore was spent against the availability of Rs 50 crore on various development projects which include two main bridges at Vishroo and Rebbon, construction of 348 houses under PMAY and 1465 works of tangible nature. Mr Veeri said Shopian will continue to receive focused attention of the present dispensation in the field of development and social security. He said the horticulture, tourism and other important sectors upon which the economy of the district as well as of the State depends would be prioritised for focused funding and development. Emphasising on increasing green cover in the district, he directed the official of Forest Department to identify land for afforestation and reforestation under CAMPA scheme so that the ecology and environment of the district can be conserved. Officials said that there are 57 veterinary centers in the district which caters to 232 villages. However, the Minister directed the concerned to conduct a detailed survey so that new veterinary centers can be created. While reviewing the horticulture sector, it was decided that Horticulture Department in collaboration with Planning & Marketing Department would assess the need of cold storage so that a cold storage plant can be established in the district in public private partnership. Mr Veeri also directed the officers concerned to carry out awareness among masses to take up the facility of cold storage so that they get effective prices for their fruit crops. He further added that people should be motivated to take up high density fruit plants for better production. He directed the DDC to personally monitor ongoing development projects in the district and take measures for removal of bottlenecks, if any, for timely completion of the projects.