Srinagar, Aug 06: National Conference (NC) Member Parliament Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan on Thursday raised several issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir in the Rajya Sabha (RS), seeking greater investment in tourism, railway connectivity and power generation capacity in the Union Territory.
Participating in the proceedings, Ramzan urged the Union Finance Minister to make provisions in the upcoming budget for a comprehensive development plan for the Bangus and Gurez areas, asserting that tourism remains one of the key avenues for economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Tourism is the only avenue we have through which the region can achieve development,” he said, seeking a dedicated provision for the comprehensive development of Bangus and Gurez in the next budget.
MP Ramzan also raised the issue of railway connectivity to Kupwara, saying the district has not yet been connected with the railway network. He urged the Centre to consider extending railway connectivity to the district.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s power potential, the MP said that only around 2,000 MW of the available potential has so far been tapped, while the region has the capacity to generate around 20,000 MW.
He said the lack of adequate funds was preventing the development of the remaining power projects and urged the Centre to invest in the untapped power potential of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ramzan further sought the return of power projects currently with NHPC to the Union Territory, stating that the Centre had already recovered the investment made in these projects several times over.
“I would request the Honourable Minister that the power projects that are already with you, for which you have recovered the money you invested several times over through NHPC, should be returned to the state,” he said.
He also called for investment in the remaining power projects, saying their development would benefit both Jammu and Kashmir and the country.
The NC MP also urged the Centre to address the issue of power cuts being faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir and sought measures to resolve the problem—(KNO)
