The District Administration Kathua today organised a Mega Block Diwas at Government Girls High School, Kootah, in Hiranagar to address public grievances and highlight development initiatives.
The event saw the participation of MLA Hiranagar Vijay Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas, SDM Hiranagar Rakesh Kumar and officials from different district and sectoral departments.
During the event, ex-Sarpanch Kamal Kant from Kootah Panchayat raised several key demands, including the construction of a banquet hall, library and stadium for which a budget of ₹1.60 crore has already been approved by the Deputy Commissioner.
He also highlighted the need for two underpasses on the national highway to address heavy traffic, construction of the Kootah-Bela Road, widening of the Kootah-Damyal Road via Patta Rasana, establishment of a Primary Health Centre, and renovation of two heritage wells in the panchayat.
Responding to the grievances, Dr. Rakesh Minhas assured the gathering that all genuine demands would be addressed promptly in coordination with the concerned departments. A key highlight of the event was the renaming of Government Girls High School, Kootah, in honor of Shaheed Chaman Lal Sadotra.
Floral tributes were paid to the martyr by MLA Vijay Kumar Sharma, DC Kathua Dr. Minhas, and other dignitaries, followed by a Guard of Honour by Army personnel and two minutes of silence in his memory.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Vijay Kumar Sharma hailed the supreme sacrifice of the local hero and emphasized that naming institutions after martyrs serves as a reminder of their valor and inspires patriotism among the youth.
He asked the DC to visit the underpass site near the Railway Line to explore the scope of assets required for smooth plying of traffic. The DC assured the public that all demands raised during the Block Diwas would be addressed within the stipulated time frame.
The Deputy Commissioner informed the attendees about significant contributions by Tata Power under CSR, including the provision of BP monitoring machines and two ambulances, one of which has been stationed at Hiranagar.
He also announced the launch of a district-wide campaign where ASHA workers will visit households to monitor the blood pressure of all individuals above 18 years of age. During the event, Ranjan Sharma, a local youth who recently qualified for the JKAS, was felicitated with a cheque of Rs. 51,000 by MLA Vijay Kumar Sharma on behalf of the panchayat, recognizing his achievement and encouraging others to excel. Ex-MoS Rashpal Verma, CPO Kathua, CMO, BMO, Chief Agriculture Officer, XEN PMGSY, and other sectoral officers were present at the event.