Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today chaired a meeting at Baramulla held to review the developmental landscape of the District with emphasis on assessing progress on ongoing projects, addressing challenges in implementation and ensuring timely execution of key initiatives across the various sectors.
Present in the meeting were Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Javed Ahmad Dar, MLA Uri, Sajad Ahmad, MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafeez Lone, MLA Sopore, Irshad Ahmad Kar, MLA Pattan, Javaid Riyaz Bedar, MLA Tangmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah (who joined virtually), District Development Commissioner, Minga Sherpa, Heads of Departments and sectoral officers.
The Deputy Chief Minister conducted a comprehensive review of projects being executed by Public Works (PWD), Health, RDD, Education, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry departments besides Jal Jeevan Mission, KPDCL and other key departments. Legislators from the concerned constituencies projected their grievances and demands including issues related to mining in Uri sub-division, development of Parihaspora, Pattan, as a heritage village, expediting work on drainage work in Sopore, macadamization of roads in Wagoora-Kreeri and other development related issues.
While addressing the concerns raised by the Legislators, the Deputy Chief Minister issued directions to the concerned officers to expedite the work on ongoing projects to ensure timely completion. The Deputy Chief Minister underscored the need for strong collaboration between elected legislators and the officers, urging them to work in close coordination to fulfill aspirations of the people and transform the district into a thriving economic hub.
Earlier, the DC apprised the Deputy Chief Minister regarding development scenario of the district and highlighted various long pending demands. These included establishment of mini secretariat in Sopore, Tangmarg, Baramulla and Uri; Multi Level Parking in Sopore and Baramulla; additional hospital and upgradation of GMC Baramulla, availability of specially skilled doctors; Gulmarg road upgradation; provision for eco-tourism in places like Mund Daji, Kitar Daji, Shrunz Fall; boundary wall and road upgradation around SKAUST Wadoora, upgradation of sewage network in towns besides upgradation of stadium with installation of flood lights.
While addressing these demands, the Deputy Chief Minister sought updates from the respective departmental heads on the issues raised and instructed them to prioritize the necessary work and ensure its completion within a set timeframe, avoiding any unnecessary delays. He asserted that the Legislators represent the voice of the people and it is important for the officers to address their issues timely.
He directed the officers to treat these issues with the highest priority and ensure their swift resolution without any delays. Reiterating the government’s commitment towards fast tracking development and improving public infrastructure in Baramulla, the Deputy Chief Minister assured that all genuine demands and grievances would be addressed at the earliest.
He asked all stakeholders to maintain a result-orientated approach and work towards making Baramulla a model district in terms of governance, infrastructure, and public services. Speaking on the occasion, Javed Ahmad Dar emphasized the importance of transparency in all developmental works. He directed the officers to take strict action against those displaying a lenient approach or engaging in unethical practices.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister launched the Sheep Husbandry Wall Calendar and distributed Ayush Cards, marriage assistance sanction letters, subsidy release letters under PM-NREGA and distributed education assistance amounting to Rs. 4.05 crore as education assistance for 9507 beneficiaries.