RAJOURI: J&K government has resumed construction of bunkers in forward areas along LoC to help people save their lives in wake of firing from Pakistan. The practice that had been abandoned in wake of 2003 ceasefire has been revived.
An official spokesman said Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary today conducted an extensive tour of forward areas along Line of Control in Nowshera and inspected the construction of Bunkers in various villages of the district. He was accompanied by various officials.
The team visited several villages including Bhajnoa, Danaka, Namb and Gania.
Pertinently, the district administration has started construction of 100 bunkers in villages along the LoC in Nowshera which will accommodate around 1200-1500 people in case of ceasefire violations especially shelling from across the border. An inter-departmental team headed by Deputy Commissioner is supervising the construction of bunkers which included finalization of design, site plan, site selection, construction and usage.
The DC inspected the bunkers viz-a-viz locations selected, quality of work, design and community ownership for maintenance. He visited the under construction bunkers and also convened a meeting with locals and representatives at Village Gania which was badly affected in recent shelling. The villagers were informed that apart from 100 bunkers started by district administration as a pilot project a requirement of 6121 individual bunkers has also been projected to State Government which is under active consideration for the release of funds.
A similar exercise is also being carried out for vulnerable areas of Manjakote areas which are often affected by cross-LoC shelling. Meanwhile, the district administration is also exploring the feasibility of enhancing current year target for ongoing construction of bunkers under convergence of various schemes.
Earlier, in a meeting of officers the DC reviewed the status of essential services, supplies and facilities at 6 relief camps where 3800 migrants have been accommodated. Provision of ration, power supply, potable drinking water, firewood, first-aid, status of education and angnwadi centres and other facilities were also reviewed. The camps established on 10-12 May, 2017 have been provided all basic facilities by district administration including Gensets, Fans and other basic requisites.
A deputation of migrants also met the DC and demanded permanent resettlement for residents of forward areas and provision of cash relief.
