Tarn Taran, May 17: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced a slew of development projects to the tune of Rs. 555 crore for the uplift and upgradation of the border district of Tarn Taran.
The bulk of the projects are focused on improving road network and connectivity for this vital district, which is strategically located near the Indo-Pakistan border.
The Chief Minister made the announcements while launching the second phase of the DAPO initiative as part of his government’s efforts to create a drug-free Punjab, and make every locality of the state a `nasha mukt mohalla’.
Captain Amarinder announced Rs. 150 crore for the road from Khem Karan to Chabal Road, for which tenders had been called by NHAI, Rs. 125 crore for widening and upgradation of Harike-Khalra Road, and Rs. 73 crore for Special Repair of 312 Link roads running into 770 Km of length.
Another Rs. 9.25 crore has been announced for construction of a new road from Assal Uttar To Khem Karan, besides Rs. 3 crore each for widening and Improvement of Patti Sirhali Road to Harioke Khalra via Assal Bhagupur Road, and for connecting Gharka village Abadi to farm land by providing Pontoon Bridge across Beas.
While Rs. 60 crore has been set aside for the development of 779 schools, another Rs. 44 crore has been earmarked for development works in various Mandis. The Chief Minister announced Rs. 40 crore for strengthening of Health Facilities in the district and Rs. 12 crore for establishing Government Degree College in Khadoor Sahib constituency.
He also announced Rs. 10 crore for Buffalo Research Centre to be set up by GADVASU in Patti, Rs. 9.25 crore for construction of New Road from Assal Uttar To Khem Karan, Rs. 7 crore for construction of 50 bedded Mother & Child Healthcare wing in District Hospital, Tarn Taran besides announcing Rs. 6 crore for Trauma Centre in District Hospital.
Other announcements by the Chief Minister included construction of High Level bridge at a cost of Rs. 5 crore on Patti-Sirhali crossing Patti Drain, and construction of High Level Bridge at a cost of Rs. 4.50 crore connecting Patti Sirhali road to Peera Shah.
Captain Amarinder Singh also announced nine Smart Schools to be set up by his government In the district at a cost of Rs. 3 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister also assured the people that a Group of Experts would look into the issue of the revival of the sugar mill at Sheron. He further announced his government’s decision to provide 30% subsidy for solar systems and solar lights.
His government, said the Chief Minister, was also pursuing with the Government of India the demand for restoration of 90% subsidy which was provided until three years back to the border areas.
