J&K: Locals get 5,500 underground-bunkers, 'border bhawans' post shelling
Authorities in Rajouri district of J&K have commenced the construction of over 5,500 underground bunkers and 200 community halls as well as 'border bhawans' to help locals post cross-border shelling. The project, targeted to be completed in FY-19 at a cost of Rs. 153.60 crore, has been approved by the state government and union ministry of home affairs, an official spokesman said today.
Underground bunkers being constructed in seven blocks along LoC
A total of 5,196 bunkers are being constructed in seven blocks along the 120km long stretch of LoC. These include Sunderbani, Qila Drahal, Nowshera, Doongi, Rajouri, Panjgrain and Manajakote, the spokesman said. He added that over 260 community bunkers and 160 community halls would also be constructed in villages located in 0-3km distance from LoC for accommodation of people during ceasefire violation.
'Border bhawans' to accommodate more than 10,000 people
'Border bhawans,' which will accommodate more than 10,000 people, will be constructed in safer areas of Sunderbani, Nowshera, Doongi, Rajouri and Manjakote, the spokesman said. He said the tendering process designed for construction of bunkers as block level projects as per MHA guidelines would start within one week, and process will be completed within one month, followed by construction of shelters and community halls.
Families residing near LoC to get individual bunkers
The spokesman said every family residing in 0-3km range from LoC would be provided an individual family bunker during Phase-I of the project. Community bunkers and halls will be constructed near schools, hospitals, police stations, police posts, government buildings and panchayat ghars for safe accommodation. He said 'tehsildars' have been directed to hand over land to executing agencies indicating area and Khasra number.
Police, PWD to conduct inspection, physical verification
The spokesman said District Development Commissioner Shahid Iqbal Choudhary reviewed arrangements for initiating the construction to facilitate safety of border residents. Revenue, Rural Development Department, Police and Public Works Department together would conduct inspection, physical verification and monitoring with active cooperation from border guarding forces, he said. He added that all assets will be geo-tagged and monitored online at district and state level.
Center announced the decision last year
Last December, the Center announced construction of 14,460 individual and community bunkers at a cost of Rs. 415.73 crore for people living along the LoC and IB in Jammu region to ensure their safety in the wake of frequent cross-border shelling.
