Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that our government considers border areas as part of the mainstream and not a buffer zone. There was a time when the development of border infrastructure was not given much importance. The governments of that time worked with the mentality that only the people living in the plains were the mainstream people. He was worried that developments on the border could be exploited by the enemy. Due to this narrow mindset, development could not reach the border areas. Now the situation has changed. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is committed to the development of border areas keeping in mind the security needs of the country. The Defense Minister also said that we all have to work together to protect the borders and everyone is getting cooperation in this.
The Defense Minister was in Dhak, Joshimath border area in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Friday. From here, he inaugurated 35 development projects including the recently completed Dhak and Bhapkund bridges on the Joshimath-Malari road connecting the China border and the Rimkhim Gad bridge on the Sumna-Rimkhim motor road. This includes 29 bridges and six roads of seven states including Uttarakhand. These projects, built at a cost of Rs 669.69 crore, have been prepared by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to promote easy transportation, defense preparedness and socio-economic development in the border areas. Along with the Defense Minister, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Garhwal MP Teerth Singh Rawat were also present.
BRO appreciated for strengthening infrastructure
On this occasion, the Defense Minister praised BRO for strengthening the infrastructure in the border areas. Also called for the organization to work in an environmentally friendly manner with the mantra of maximum national security and welfare. Said that BRO is connecting remote areas with the rest of the country by constructing roads, bridges etc. It is also connecting the hearts of people living in remote villages with the hearts of other citizens. He also said that timely completion of marginal area projects has been possible due to the commitment of the organization. Referring to the steps taken in the interest of BRO, he said that the Government has ensured risk and hardship allowance for permanent civilian personnel of BRO at par with the Armed Forces.
Ex-gratia compensation of workers has been increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Recently an insurance provision of Rs 10 lakh was approved for CPL. These steps will help in boosting the morale of armed forces personnel, civilian employees and CPLs in BRO. During this, the Defense Minister also met the BRO soldiers and boosted their morale. He especially mentioned the contribution of BRO in rescuing 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel of Uttarkashi.
Schemes like All Weather Road are also important from security point of view: Dhami
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, work on big projects has been started considering the strategic, religious and environmental importance of the state. Schemes like Chardham Alvedar Road, Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Line, Frontier Area Development Project and Mountain Range are important from the point of view of development as well as security.
