Govt to spend Rs23b on Katcha area

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a Rs23 billion development package for the Katcha area

According to a statement, the package is aimed at ending decades of underdevelopment, improving law and order and creating sustainable economic opportunities for local residents.

Chairing a meeting on the Katcha region, the chief minister approved the wide-ranging development plan covering security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and employment, declaring that the riverine belt would no longer remain a symbol of crime but would be transformed into a centre of development, prosperity and dignified livelihoods.

She also announced the launch of the "Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar" programme in the area, under which 14,500 acres of state land will be allotted to local residents to promote farming and employment.

Officials said in the meeting that no major criminal incident had been reported in the belt for the last five months, describing it as evidence that the government had, for the first time, established writ in the difficult terrain.

Under the approved package, Rs7.1 billion has been allocated for strengthening law and order, Rs13.9 billion for social infrastructure and Rs1.7 billion for other development initiatives. The funds will be used for construction of schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, basic public facilities and security systems.

The chief minister directed authorities to immediately launch transport services and mobile health clinics in the area to improve access to healthcare and mobility for residents. She also approved plans for mobile veterinary hospitals and modern diagnostic laboratories to support livestock owners in remote settlements.

The officials said a solar-powered drone surveillance system would be introduced in the area.

The drones will be capable of remaining airborne for over 24 hours, while surveillance cameras will also be installed in armoured personnel carriers, police stations, vans and checkpoints.

Authorities said the area would be monitored continuously through a digital system on the pattern of the Safe City Authority.

CM Maryam Nawaz also approved a plan for the surrender of illegal weapons in the Katcha area, with digital monitoring at police stations and compensation to be paid according to the type and value of surrendered arms.

She ordered that tall crops would not be allowed along major roads in the region to prevent criminals from using them as cover.

A hard-area allowance was approved for police personnel posted in the belt.

In the education sector, the chief minister announced distribution of school meal and milk packs for 6,551 girl students, merit scholarships for 300 pupils and laptops for another 300. She also approved plans for the construction, rehabilitation and upgrade of 65 schools, along with establishment of 16 new schools and two girls' colleges.

The development package also includes 108 kilometres of road soling and 27 other schemes covering 144kms.

Under the Model Village Project, sewerage, drainage, playgrounds and civic amenities will be developed, while a Rs125 million skills development programme will be launched for local youth.

The chief minister also ordered a National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) campaign in the riverine belt to issue computerised identity cards and child registration certificates, aiming to bring local residents into the mainstream.