DPR for Keran-Jumgund Tunnel to Be Prepared, Taken Up with MoRTH: Deputy CM
JAMMU, MAR 04: The demand for constructing a tunnel to provide all-weather connectivity between Keran and Jumgund in Kupwara will be taken up with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, the Deputy Chief Minister informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. He assured that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) would be prepared and forwarded to the concerned authorities.
The Deputy CM was responding to a question raised by Mir Saifullah. He stated that the Keran sector is connected to the rest of Jammu and Kashmir via the Pharkiyan Gali-Keran road (46.76 km), maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). However, this route remains partially closed in winter due to heavy snowfall, with BRO carrying out regular snow clearance operations.
Regarding the PMGSY Road Zirhama-Jumgund (25 km), the Deputy CM highlighted that snow clearance beyond the first 6 km becomes difficult during heavy snowfall due to poor visibility, frost action, avalanches, and snow slides, particularly from the 17th to the 20th km. He further informed that currently, no alternate roads exist for the Keran and Jumgund areas.
2,548.75 Hectares of Saffron Land Rejuvenated Under National Mission on Saffron: Javed Dar
The National Mission on Saffron has achieved significant progress in rejuvenating 2,548.75 hectares of saffron land, particularly by strengthening the irrigation system, Minister for Agriculture Production, Javed Ahmad Dar informed the Legislative Assembly today.
As per the statement issued to The Newsroom 24 – Awaz, while replying to a question by Justice Hasnain Masoodi, the Minister stated that the government has successfully halted the decline in saffron cultivation, maintaining the area at 3,715 hectares (3,665 ha in Kashmir division and 50 ha in Kishtwar) since 2010-11. He added that productivity has increased from 2.50 kg/ha in 2009-10 to a maximum recorded yield of 4.42 kg/ha in rejuvenated areas during 2023.
The Minister revealed that 124 community bore-wells were planned under the mission, each serving 30 hectares of saffron fields via sprinkler irrigation systems. So far, 85 bore-wells have been handed over to the Agriculture Department, but 39 bore-wells remain incomplete due to poor participation in the tendering process. Additionally, 77 bore-wells have been found non-functional for a long time.
A ₹400 crore project, sanctioned in 2010-11 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Corporation, Government of India, has boosted saffron production and economic revival. The establishment of Saffron Park/IIKSTC has led to a price increase from ₹80,000 per kg to ₹2,20,000 per kg in 2021-22. Scientific processing methods have improved saffron stigma recovery from 22g/kg to 28g/kg and enhanced saffron colour quality from 8% (traditional drying) to 16% (scientific drying).
The Minister also highlighted that the mission addressed intermediary exploitation through e-auctions at IIKSTC, ensuring fair farm-gate prices and transparent transactions. However, challenges such as damaging of irrigation systems by undesirable elements and threats from real-estate players/land grabbers have impacted saffron cultivation. Complaints have been lodged with revenue officials.
He concluded by stating that while most objectives of the mission have been achieved, a few remain incomplete due to various factors. Efforts continue to involve local leadership and farmers in policy decisions.
Supplementary questions were raised by Sunil Sharma, M.Y. Tarigami, and Arjun Singh.
₹132 Crore Expended for Drinking Water Supply Augmentation in Bandipora: Javed Ahmad Rana
Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmad Rana informed the Legislative Assembly that ₹132 crore has been spent on improving drinking water supply schemes in Bandipora under JJM, UT Capex, and AMRUT 2.0.
As per the statement issued to The Newsroom 24 – Awaz, while responding to a question by Nizam-u-din Bhat, the Minister said that a DPR for the Bandipora Town Water Supply Scheme under AMRUT 2.0 is currently being surveyed and prepared.
He emphasized that providing potable drinking water to every household is a national priority, with the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) focusing on rural areas and AMRUT 2.0 targeting urban areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
Regarding the Aham-Sharief-Athwatoo-Waven Water Supply Scheme (WSS), the Minister provided updates on its filtration component:
The scheme is fully functional for Herpora Athwatoo and Tanghtari habitations.
Completion status: Bunpora Athwatoo/Tanghat (60%), Ahamsharief (70%), Waven (65%).
Supplementary questions were raised by Nazir Gurezi, Balwant Singh Mankotia, and Choudhary Mohammad Akram.
