DC Bandipora reviews proposed Rural Haat at Pethkoot

• Directs robust Infrastructure, Hygiene standards

BANDIPORA: Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, today held an interaction with the JKRLM team Bandipora to review the proposed establishment of a Rural Haat at Pethkoot in Block Bonakoot, to be set up under the aegis of Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) with support of the District Administration Bandipora.

The meeting was attended by the State Programme Manager (Non-Farm Livelihood), District Programme Manager JKRLM Bandipora, Block Programme Managers, MIS staff and community cadre of Block Bonakoot.

During the deliberations, a detailed plan of action was discussed for establishing the Rural Haat, envisioned as a dedicated platform for promoting local livelihood opportunities, traditional food items and handmade artisan products of the region.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that the Rural Haat at Pethkoot would serve as a strategically important facility along the Bandipora-Gurez route and directed the concerned officials to ensure development of proper infrastructure at the site, including washrooms, toilet units and adequate parking facilities.

She further stressed that only local and traditional food products should be promoted through the Haat, with strict adherence to hygiene and cleanliness standards at all times.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed that the sale of handmade and locally-produced items be actively promoted through the Rural Haat as a means to strengthen women-led livelihood generation in the area, aligning with the broader mission of empowering Self Help Groups and rural women entrepreneurs. She underscored the need for regular monitoring and timely execution of the project, directing officials to ensure that deadlines are strictly observed and the Haat becomes operational at the earliest.