Jammu, Jul 22 - A State Planning Board will be set up this year to achieve development goals in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said.

"There is need for comprehensive planning as an important aspect in the equitable and holistic development of the state and a State Planning Board is being constituted this year to achieve development goals in consonance with the aspirations of the people," he said.

The Chief Minister said this while chairing a meeting of the Jammu District Development Board here.

He said reaching out to all areas in development process and mitigating difficulties of people were the priorities of the coalition government.

Omar said the proposed State Planning Board would address all issues pertaining to development across the state.

The meeting approved Rs 105 crore plan for Jammu district for 2012-13.

The Chief Minister said a Rs 500 crore project for supply of safe drinking water to greater Jammu by utilising Chenab water is being negotiated with Asian Development Bank.

"We have received positive indication from ADB in this regard," he said adding that DPR for the project will be prepared and referred to the ADB for finances.

Omar said 200 roads have been upgraded last year while 257 roads are being black-topped this year. Besides, Rs 50 crore is being earmarked for macadamising of roads in the district this year.

He also said arrangements of funds for Jammu circular road is being worked out. The construction of Bikram Chowk Flyover is likely to be taken up by December. PTI