DPR for Razdan Pass Tunnel to Begin Soon
BRO to Blacktop Sua–Pargwal Road; 4,142 Kanal for Industrial Estates in Anantnag
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Jammu, Feb 19, KNT: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that preparation of the Detailed Project Report for the proposed 8-km tunnel at Razdan Pass in Bandipora district will commence shortly to ensure all-weather connectivity to the strategically significant Gurez constituency.
Replying to a question by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, the Deputy Chief Minister said the project has been endorsed by the Ministry of Defence. He added that regular snow clearance is being undertaken by BEACON to maintain connectivity, though the road remains closed for nearly a month and partially shut during winters due to snowfall and safety concerns.
In the health sector, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo said the department is consolidating existing facilities as per IPHS-2022 norms. She informed the House that construction of a 50-bedded additional block at Pahalgam Hospital is progressing steadily, with Rs 1,100 lakh already spent out of the sanctioned Rs 1,889.90 lakh. During 2025-26, Rs 340 lakh has been released out of an approved Rs 400 lakh allocation. Equipment will be provided in phases within available resources.
She clarified that establishment of a trauma hospital between Qazigund and Pahalgam is not under consideration, citing availability of trauma facilities at Qazigund and GMC Anantnag.
On infrastructure, the Deputy Chief Minister said blacktopping of the road from Sua No. 1 to Pargwal in Akhnoor will be taken up by the Border Roads Organisation, with transfer formalities underway.
Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana assured ex-gratia relief in cases of human casualties due to wildlife conflict, while discussions are ongoing for compensation of livestock losses and inclusion of crops under PMFBY.
The House was also informed that 4,142.43 kanal of land has been transferred in Anantnag for industrial estates, 28,186 Anganwadi Centres are operational across J&K, and 16 water supply schemes have been approved for Khawas block under Jal Jeevan Mission.
Minister for Cooperatives Javid Ahmad Dar said the process of liquidation of J&K SCARD Bank has been initiated due to financial distress, assuring protection of depositors’ interests through a phased settlement mechanism. [KNT]
