Poonch, August 15 (KNS) : Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, thursday held an interactive session with prominent intellectuals, former civil servants, and members of civil society in Poonch.
The session witnessed vibrant and insightful discussions on educational infrastructure, healthcare services, and overall developmental gaps in the district.
Emphasis was laid on the urgent need for systemic reforms and administrative intervention to uplift the standard of living, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas.
Civil society representatives suggested a series of strategic interventions aimed at building a more empathetic, inclusive, and morally responsible society, rooted in ethical values. They stressed the importance of community engagement, youth empowerment, and value-based education to strengthen the district’s social fabric.
Importantly, the civil society members also urged the Minister to take effective steps for the preservation and promotion of local culture, heritage, and indigenous tribal languages, recognising them as vital elements of the region’s identity and diversity.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThey further requested tangible improvements in the sectors of health, education, and infrastructure.
A key highlight of the interaction was the discussion on the untapped tourism potential of Poonch, with stakeholders strongly advocating vigorous promotion of sustainable tourism. They underlined the strategic importance of completing critical infrastructure projects, especially the Mughal Road tunnel and the Loran-Tangmarg Road, which are vital to improving year-round connectivity with the Kashmir Valley.
Responding to the concerns, Javed Ahmed Rana assured the attendees of his full commitment towards the holistic development of Poonch. He emphasized that inclusive dialogue and active civic participation are essential for effective governance and assured that the feedback and recommendations shared would be taken up at the highest level for appropriate action.
The Minister also reiterated the Omar Abdullah Government’s focus on equitable regional development, environmental sustainability, eco-tourism, and tribal welfare, highlighting several initiatives already underway to address some of the issues raised during the session.(KNS)