DDC Doda chairs Block Diwas at Bhagwah, reviews public grievances, developmental needs

DODA: The District Administration Doda today organized a Public Outreach camp (Block Diwas) at Block Headquarter Bhagwah. District Development Commissioner (DDC) Krishan Lal presided over the Camp.

A large number of public representatives, including former Sarpanchs and ex-PRI members, besides local residents, participated in the programme and projected wide range of demands and grievances before the District Development Commissioner.

Among the officers present on the occasion were PO ICDS, ACD, ACP, Executive Engineers of PDD, PHE and PWD (R&B), Tehsildar, BDO, officers from the Health Department and other district and sectoral departments.

During the interaction, the public highlighted several issues pertaining to healthcare, roads, education, drinking water supply, sanitation, tourism and public infrastructure.  The residents demanded up-gradation of the PHC building, deployment of MBBS and Dental doctors at the health centre and availability of an ambulance facility for the area.

The people also raised the issue of the poor condition of the Doda–Dessa road and demanded its immediate blacktopping.  Infrastructure up-gradation in schools, meeting shortage of teachers and lecturers in GHSS and other schools, construction of a passenger shed and toilet complex at the local Bus Stand among other demands were also projected.

The locals further urged the administration to take necessary steps to promote the area as tourism destination in view of its scenic attraction for nature lovers. They further demanded up-gradation of a nallah between Bhagwah and Lal Draman for better connectivity, regular functioning of Anganwadi Centres and timely engagement orders for seasonal vocational teachers. Concerns regarding sanitation in schools were also projected.

Issues related to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) were also raised, with the demand for construction of a main reservoir and filter plant at Bijarni and improvement of the supply system. The public also highlighted shortage of teachers and absence of a Headmaster at Government Girls High School Kanhal and sought expansion of the school playfield.

The residents further demanded establishment of creation of a Mandi for export and sale of fruits produced in Bhagwah and early completion of the mandi at Paryote. They further sought construction of toilet complexes and Community Sanitation Centres (CSC) under the Swachh Bharat Mission,.

Responding to the issues, the DDC directed the PWD (R&B) Department to expedite the road works. He informed the public that several works have already been tendered and allotted while some have commenced. He assured that blacktopping work on the Dessa road would be started and completed at the earliest.

The DDC directed the School Education Department to ensure proper sanitation in schools, especially provision of special toilets for girls and provision of CRC teachers wherever required.

The Power Development Department (PDD) was asked to prepare detailed reports regarding feeder-related issues in the area and submit the same for necessary action. He also instructed the department to prepare DPRs for the installation of additional electricity poles in the area and ensure proper electricity arrangements in schools and health institutions.

Regarding healthcare facilities, the DDC Doda informed the gathering that a multifunctional health van equipped with facilities such as X-ray and ultrasound has been provided and Bhagwah and Dessa areas would be included in its roster to facilitate medical testing for the people.

The DDC further directed the PWD Department to assess the condition of the PHC building and take necessary measures for its improvement. He also instructed the School Education Department to issue regular and timely orders for seasonal vocational teachers.

The DDC Doda urged the people to register their grievances on the JK Samadhan Portal for prompt and transparent redressal of issues. The District Development Commissioner patiently listened to all grievances and assured the public that their genuine demands would be addressed in a time-bound and transparent manner.

Several on-the-spot directions were issued to concerned departments for immediate action. On the sidelines of the programme, several departments set up awareness stalls showcasing government schemes and services for public benefit. Participating departments included Agriculture and Allied Sectors, Industries & Commerce, KVIB, Handicrafts & Handloom, SBDU under Mission YUVA, Social Welfare Department, Anganwadi (Poshan Abhiyan) and J&K Bank.

Later, a joint pledge ceremony under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was also administered by the DDC to spread awareness against drug abuse and promote a healthy society.