PM Narendra Modi on Sunday visited Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir).This was his first visit to the Union Territory post abrogation of article 370 and division of erstwhile state into two Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. PM Modi was here to participate in the celebrations for National Panchayati Raj Day and address the Gram Sabhas across the country.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed India's 'Gram Sabhas' from Palli village Panchayat on the occasion National Panchayati Raj Diwas. "This year's Panchayati Raj Day, being celebrated in J&K marks a big change. It is a matter of great pride that when democracy has reached the grassroot level in J&K, I am interacting with you all from here," he said.

 

In his address from Palli village, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that with the inauguration of a 500 KW solar power plant at Palli, Samba District is moving towards becoming the country’s first panchayat to become carbon neutral. "The people of Palli have demonstrated what 'Sabka prayas' can do," he said.

 

To give a new impetus to the development of Jammu and Kashmir, work is going on at a fast pace in the Union Territory.These efforts will provide employment to a large number of youths of Jammu and Kashmir, he said. He said be it democracy or carrying out development, Jammu and Kashmir is presenting a new example these days.

 

PM while adressing the youth of the valley said,"your ancestors had lived a life of trouble. My youth, you will not live life of trouble. I assure you this". He said that youth of J&K should trust his word and highlighted the peace and development initiatives taken by the government in last few years.

 

 

Modi inaugurated and laid foundation of multiple development projects worth over Rs 20,000 crore in J&K and said that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir will get employment opportunities through overall development of the Union Territory.

 

1. He laid the foundation stone of Rattle and Kwar hydroelectric projects. The 850 MW Rattle Hydroelectric Project will be constructed on Chenab river in Kishtwar District at a cost of around Rs 5,300 crore. The 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Project will also be built on the Chenab river in Kishtwar District at a cost of over Rs 4,500 crore. Both the projects will help meet the power requirements of the region.

 

 

2. He inaugurated the Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, built at a cost of over Rs 3,100 crore. The 8.45 km long tunnel would reduce the road distance between Banihal and Qazigund by 16 km, and reduce journey time by around one and a half hour. It is a twin-tube tunnel - one for each direction of travel - with the twin tubes being interconnected by a cross passage every 500m, for maintenance and emergency evacuation. The tunnel would help establish an all-weather connection between Jammu and Kashmir and bring the two regions closer.

 

3. PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of three road packages of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, being built at a cost of over Rs 7,500 crore. They are for the construction of 4/6 lane access controlled Delhi-Katra-Amritsar Expressway from: Balsua on NH-44 to Gurha Baildaran, Hiranagar; Gurha Baildaran, Hiranagar to Jakh, Vijaypur; and Jakh, Vijaypur to Kunjwani, Jammu with spur connectivity to Jammu Airport.

 

 

 

4. In order to further expand the network of Jan Aushadi Kendras in Jammu and Kashmir and to make good quality generic medicines at affordable prices available, 100 Kendras made functional were also dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister.

 

5. Modi also handed over 'Svamitva' cards to beneficiaries under the scheme. The cards will give villagers documentary proof of their ownership of properties so that they can use them for financial benefits.

 

Modi said,"J&K will write a new chapter of development adding that Rs 38,000 crore of private investment has been received in the UT in two years as compared to Rs 17,000 crore in last seven decades".

 

Worth mentioning here that sea of people turned up to hear PM Modi. The organisers had made arrangements for over one lakh people. People had started turning up in large numbers since early morning from all parts of the UT. Besides members of three tiers of Panchayati Raj System, people from all walks of life marked their attendance to get a glimpse of their leader.