GILGIT, July 18: The chief executive of Northern Areas, Kashmir Affairs Minister Abbas Sarfraz Khan, has approved a Rs140 million development package for Diamer district.

Speaking at a public meeting at Chilas rest house the other day, the minister said that the primary objective of the package was to ameliorate the socio-economic plight of the people of the district, that had remained neglected in the past.

He approved development schemes worth Rs100 million presented by Northern Areas Adviser Janbaz Khan.

He directed the authorities to install a 635KVA diesel generator at Chilas at a cost of Rs8.67 million.

He also approved a water supply scheme to Chilas city for which over Rs60 million have been sanctioned for laying a 24-inch pipeline.

The minister announced a grant of Rs8 million for the upgradation of the district headquarters hospital, Rs6 million for carrying out a feasibility study of the six megawatt Thack hydel power station, Rs4.5million for Astore-Rato truck road.

A 10-bed hospital will soon be set up at Minimarg in astore at the forward lines so that the patients could be given immediate treatment during the emergencies, he said.

He assured the upgradation the Chilas intermediate college to degree level and setting up of information technology centres in Chilas and Astore.

The minister also announced a special package for agriculture development, livestock breeding and development of health and education sectors in the remote areas.

An amount of Rs40million, from the forest proceeds, has been earmarked in addition to the annual development programme (ADP) and it would be reimbursed in two phases.

He advocated the establishment of an endowment fund to reduce poverty and deforestation.

Later, the minister participated in a briefing by the Northern Areas Development Project.