KUPWARA, AUGUST 15: The 76th Independence Day was celebrated here with great enthusiasm and traditional fervour across Kupwara district. The main function was held at District Police Lines Kupwara where Chairman, District Development Council (DDC), Kupwara Irfan Sultan Panditpori hoisted the National Flag and took salute on March Past presented by the contingents of JKP, IRP, CRPF, FPP, JK Home Guards, Police Commandos, Police Band Party and school children.
Vice Chairperson, DDC, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir; Principal, District & Sessions Judge Kupwara, Tasleem Arif; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Khalid Jahangir, SSP, Kupwara, Yougal Manhas; DDC Members, BDC Chairpersons, Senior Civil, Police, CRPF and Army Officers were present on the occasion, besides, PRIs, government employees, school children and people in large number.
Addressing the function, the Chairman DDC congratulated the people on the eve of Independence Day and remembered the freedom fighters of the nation who sacrificed their lives for the attainment of freedom of the country. He said the best tribute for these freedom fighters is to work jointly for building of the nation. He said India has emerged as largest democracy in the world; the benefits of which are percolating down to the common citizens. He said after the UT of J&K got fully integrated into India, new era of socio-economic development ushered in the UT by catering the needs of people at grassroot level.
The Chairman said flagship programmes are being implemented in the district with enthusiasm adding that current year’s District CAPEX budget is Rs.1596 crore which is double than of previous year.
The Chairman enlisted the developmental works under execution in the district. He said Baramulla-Kupwara-Chowkibal-Chamkote road stands approved and will be executed through BEACON at a cost of Rs.2370 crore which shall provide smooth road connectivity to the district. He said construction of Government Medical College Handwara has been approved for a cost of Rs.255 crore for providing better healthcare facilities to the residents of district Kupwara, 12 MW Hydro electric project is coming up in Karnah at a cost of Rs.123.42 crore. He said 315 MVA Grid Station has been approved at a cost of Rs.101 crore at Wahipora Langate which will provide reliable power facilities to the district. Construction of District Hospital Handwara is progressing at a cost of Rs.46.45 crore. He said Industrial Biotech Park is being constructed at Handwara at a cost of Rs.43.63 crore.
The Chairman said that the Handwara-Bangus road is near completion at a cost of Rs. 39 crore. He said 3019 works have been approved for execution during current year under Regular and ADF component of District CAPEX budget. He said target of macadamization of 249 km road length has been set up, out of which 86 km has been completed.
He said Court Complex at Handwara and Kupwara will hopefully get completed in next financial year at a cost of Rs.12.58 crore and Rs.13.75 crore respectively.
Earlier, on his arrival the Chairman visited the Martyr’s Memorial and laid flowers there.
Various colourful multi lingual cultural programmes with patriotic taste and fanfare were presented by different schools and artists, which got applause of the people. Lezium, Mass PT, Martial Art and Human Pyramid were also presented.
At the conclusion of the function, prize distribution ceremony was held during which the officers and employees from District administration, Civil and Police were felicitated with Mementos and Certificates of Appreciation by the VIP. Awards were also given to National Anthem Singing Competition winners of Kupwara district.
At Sub Division Handwara, Chairman Municipal Committee Handwara, Masroor Ahmad Banday hoisted the National Flag at DPL Handwara and took salute on the parade. Cultural variety programmes were also held on the occasion.
In Lolab sub division, SDM Lolab, Aijaz Ahmad hoisted the tricolour at GDC Sogam and took salute. Cultural programmes were also held.
At Karnah sub division, BDC Chairperson, Tangdar, Reyaz Ahmad Khoja hoisted the tricolour and took salute. Cultural programmes were also held.
National Flag was also hoisted in various Government Offices and Educational Institutions across the district including Kupwara, Handwara, Lolab and Karnah sub divisions.
