Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today announced a slew of development projects to the tune of Rs 555 crore for the uplift and up-gradation 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, an official spokesperson said here.
The chief minister made the announcements while launching the second phase of the drug abuse prevention officer (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'.
Singh announced Rs 150 crore for the road from Khem Karan to the Chabal road, for which tenders had been called by the NHAI, Rs 125 crore for widening and up-gradation 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 the Patti Sirhali road to Harioke Khalra via Assal Bhagupur road, and for connecting Gharka village population 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 the Khadoor Sahib constituency.
He also announced Rs 10 crore for buffalo research centre to be set up 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 and 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 a 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.
The chief minister 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 per cent 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 per cent subsidy which was provided until three years back to the border areas.
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