Government Allocates Rs 10 Crore for Temporary Restoration Works in Anantnag, Says Deputy CM

SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that an amount of Rs 10 crore has been requisitioned from the Rs Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) Department to carry out temporary restoration works in Anantnag district, including repairs to the damaged bridge at Kandiwara–Khalhar.

Responding to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Dooru, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, the Deputy Chief Minister said the recent flash floods had caused partial damage to several roads, bridges, culverts and their approaches in the area. He added that necessary steps have been initiated for their immediate restoration to ensure continued connectivity.

“The departmental field staff have prepared restoration estimates for the damaged approaches of the road infrastructure and submitted the same to the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag,” Choudhary informed the House.

Providing geographical context, the Deputy CM noted that the villages of Kandiwara and Khalhar, located on opposite banks of the Brengi Nallah, are home to nearly 5,000 residents. Kandiwara is linked through the Mohipora–Kandiwara–Soaf Road, while Khalhar is connected via the Hiller–Khalhar–Sagam Road, both blacktopped roads branching from NH-244.

He further clarified that the bridge structure itself remains intact and has not sustained any structural damage, though the approaches to the box culvert were affected.

The Deputy CM assured the House that the government is committed to swiftly restoring essential infrastructure in flood-affected regions to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and relief for local residents.