SRINAGAR, September 20 (KNS): Apni Party general secretary and former legislator Rafi Ahmad Mir has stressed on need for augmentation of infrastructural requirements coupled with conservation programmes to protect the fragile ecosystem and the heritage value of world famous Pahalgam.
Participating in a developmental review meeting chaired by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha at Anantnag on Saturday, Mir highlighted various gaps and measures to be taken to address the grievances of the public in Pahalgam constituency and its adjoining areas.
From the pending issues of land acquisition to the clearance from the wild life department which have impeded development of various vital roads like Aru-Pahalgam, Laripora, Sallar-Zaigund and circuit road, Mir sought the intervention of Lt. Governor in stalled road projects which are causing immense sufferings to the public.
In a statement issued to KNS reads, On healthcare infrastructure in Pahalgam area, Mir demanded immediate upgradation of healthcare facilities in three hospitals like Phalgam, Sallar and Aishmuqam hospitals which caters to a huge population including Shri Amarnathji yatra pilgrims.
Mir said that drinking water supply issues pertaining merits immediate consideration of the administration especially in villages like Wanpora-Sallar which have been left uncovered under the Sallar water supply scheme. Similarly, he demanded a filtration plant along with a guard quarter in the village Yanir for infrastructural augmentation Sallar Water Supply Scheme.
With regard to issues pertaining irrigation facilities in Pahalgam, Mir sought intervention of the Lt. Governor towards lack of proper irrigation facilities in the area. Thousands of kanals of land in Sehgund-Sallar-Lever face lack of proper irrigation canal. There are reports of encroachment over various irrigation canals like Wuhun (R), Aarkul in Dachinipora area. Aarkul is under execution and if the encroachment is allowed, this will defeat the whole purpose of irrigating the said area,” he informed the meeting.
He also highlighted issues pertaining to PDD in Pahalgam. Mir said that people in the area fear a hike in tariff that too at a time when they receive erratic power supply both the winter and summer seasons. “Improvement of HT/LT network in general across Pahalgam is need of the hour,” he added.
He also castigated the concerned administration for its failure in stopping the construction on agricultural land and urged for a comprehensive housing policy which will address the related issues faced by the people.
On welfare of Gujjar-Bakerwal Community, Mir emphasized on the need for the implementation of Forest Rights Act which can secure the rights of Gujjar Bakerwal community in the whole of J&K. “There is an urgent need for establishment of veterinary centers in Pahalgam to cater to a large number of livestock of the Gujjar-Bakerwal community.” He also demanded establishment of high schools in areas like Khallen, Nallah Overa, Lehandajan, Sheikhpora, Vail Nagbal and Gojran-Batkote.
On youth services and sports activities in the area, Mir said Pahalgam constituency has been neglected by the government in sports infrastructure development. “The local cricket clubs face all odds, as there are not enough facilities in the said area. There is an urgent need for the up-gradation of sports facilities such as Sallar-Bagwani, Seer Hamdan, Budroo and Pahalgam. Pendency of works in Budroo, Pahalgam , Seer and Sallar has taken a toll on youth’s sporting activities,” he appraised the meeting. He also censured the tourism department for its failure in extending Akad Park which was decided in 2005 and an amount of Rs. 70 lakhs was already earmarked for the same.
Mir highlighted significant gaps in the administration which prevent illegal encroachments in the world famous tourist resort in Pahalgam. “Tourist resorts in Aru and Pahalgam and Migrant properties in Pahalgam are some instances. Taking undue advantage of lockdown, the illegal encroachment is being carried out. Some encroachments were removed before 5th August 2019, under the orders of Chief Secretary but have unfortunately been reversed. It needs urgent action,” he pleaded in the meeting. From heritage conservation and works under pilgrimage tourism, Mir stressed on developmental works on the historic shrine of Hazrat Sakhi Zain-ud-Din Wali (RA) Ashmuqam and various temples and Gurdwaras in the area. On the reports of deforestation amid COVID-19 pandemic and reduction in patrolling, Mir requested for an increase in the guard strength.(KNS)