Bhatadhurian (Mendhar), September 12 (KNS) : Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today held a public outreach programme at Bhata Dhurian in Mendhar, providing local residents an opportunity to raise issues concerning development, public infrastructure and delivery of essential services in the area.

During the programme, people from Bhatadhurian and adjoining areas apprised the Minister of a range of issues and demands relating to road connectivity, water supply, education, healthcare, basic infrastructure and other essential services.

The residents also highlighted the difficulties faced by people living in remote and hilly areas due to challenging terrain and inadequate connectivity.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to the residents and assured them that their genuine concerns would considered by the concerned departments for examination and timely resolution.

He maintained that public outreach programmes provide an important platform for the Government to directly understand the issues faced by people at the grassroots level and ensure that their concerns are appropriately addressed.

The people raised demands for the construction and improvement of school buildings, upgradation of educational institutions, better road connectivity, augmentation of water supply, strengthening of healthcare facilities and improvement of other basic amenities.

Rana said that addressing public grievances and ensuring effective delivery of essential services remain among the key priorities of the Omar Abdullah-led Government.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining regular and direct interaction with the people, particularly in remote and difficult-to-reach areas, to identify developmental gaps and formulate effective measures for their redressal.

He said the Government is committed to strengthening public infrastructure and improving basic amenities across the region, with special attention to the needs of people residing in remote, hilly and geographically challenging areas.

The Minister directed the concerned officers to examine the issues brought before them and initiate necessary measures for their early resolution.

He stressed that departments must remain responsive to public concerns and ensure that developmental works are implemented in a planned, coordinated and time-bound manner.

As part of his visit, the Minister also inspected NH-144 from Kallar to Shadhra Sharief via Kamlo Gali, taking stock of the condition of the important road link and reviewing the requirements for its improvement.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

During the inspection, Rana reviewed various road connectivity issues along the route and interacted with officers regarding the measures required to improve the road infrastructure and facilitate smoother and safer movement of people and traffic.

He stressed the need for close coordination among all concerned agencies to identify and address bottlenecks, expedite necessary works and ensure timely execution of road improvement measures.

He called for sustained attention to connectivity in hilly and remote areas, observing that reliable road infrastructure is critical not only for safe and convenient movement but also for ensuring access to education, healthcare and other essential services.

Rana further noted that improved connectivity plays an important role in supporting local livelihoods, facilitating economic activity and enhancing the overall quality of life of people living in remote areas.

He directed the concerned officers to remain responsive to the requirements of the area and ensure that necessary works are taken up in a systematic and time-bound manner.

He also called for due consideration of the difficulties faced by residents owing to the challenging terrain and connectivity constraints while planning and executing infrastructure projects.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma, briefed the Minister about various government schemes, development initiatives and welfare programmes being implemented by different departments across the district.

The Deputy Commissioner apprised the Minister and the gathering of the benefits available to eligible beneficiaries under these schemes and highlighted the efforts being made by the district administration to ensure effective implementation and wider outreach of government programmes.

He urged the people to make full use of the welfare and development initiatives being offered by the Government and encouraged eligible beneficiaries to avail themselves of the benefits available under various schemes aimed at improving their socio-economic well-being.

The outreach programme provided an important platform for direct interaction between the administration and the local population, with the Minister reiterating the Government’s commitment to responsive governance, improved public services and equitable development, particularly in remote and underserved areas.(KNS)