DDC Doda chairs Block Diwas at Dradhu

• Reviews public grievances; Leads Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Pledge

DODA: District Administration Doda today organized a Public Outreach Programme (Block Diwas) at Panchayat Ghar Dradhu, Block Bhaderwah. The programme was chaired by District Development Commissioner (DDC) Krishan Lal.

The event commenced with a rally and a joint pledge ceremony under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, administered by the DDC. A large number of public representatives, including ex-Sarpanchs and former PRI members, participated and projected various issues, demands and grievances before the District Development Commissioner.

Senior officers present on the occasion included ADC Sunil Kumar Bhutyal; CPO Manesh Kumar; ACD Din Mohd Afaqi; PO ICDS Akhtar Hussain Qazi; DFO Davender Kumar; Joint Director Education Ashfaq Khanji; CMO Dr. Tanveer Ahmed; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Irfan Ali Wani; Tehsildar Kamal Preet Singh; besides other district and sectoral officers.

During the interaction, public representatives and residents raised a wide range of issues, including the unavailability of a Principal and shortage of lecturers at GHSS Dradhu, requirement of electricity poles and wires in various panchayats, staff shortage under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). They demanded bridge connectivity between Dradhu and Dranga.

The public also demanded construction of a steel bridge over Dradhu Nallah, passenger sheds and opening of a J&K Bank branch along with an ATM facility in the area. Other major demands included establishment of Animal and Sheep Husbandry Centre at Gutasa, adequate staff in primary schools and   Anganwadi Centres, upgrading  of the Gutasa road with filling of potholes and installation of crash barriers and construction of a road from Prenka to Gutasa.

Residents also sought upgradation of UPS Middle School, establishment of an Anganwadi Centre in Gutasa, installation of transformers and electricity infrastructure, water filtration plant, sanitation of water tanks and improved road connectivity in Niyita Panchayat.

Other demands included establishment of a health centre, setting up of a Pipe Damage and Repair Store in the subdivision, construction of a bridge over local nallah at Niyita village and provision of road and irrigation facilities in Lamhote hamlet. An additional Anganwadi Centre was also demanded for Tipri village.

Responding to the issues, the DDC directed J&K Bank authorities to examine the feasibility of providing an ATM/Khidmat Centre in the area. He informed that installation of crash barriers have been proposed under PMGSY and directed the concerned department to conduct a survey and take necessary action. The Sheep Husbandry Department was instructed to establish a seasonal centre in Gutasa.

The DDC listened patiently to all grievances and assured redressal of the same in a time-bound and transparent manner. He issued several on-the-spot directions to concerned departments for prompt action.

Highlighting the importance of a drug-free society, the DDC emphasized that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is a collective responsibility. He urged citizens to actively participate in safeguarding the youth from substance abuse and informed that Panchayat-level committees have been constituted to strengthen the campaign at the grassroots level.

Meanwhile, the line 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 and J&K Bank.

Later, the DDC inspected Khidmat Centre Ghar at Dradhu and interacted with the staff. He also further participated in a plantation drive organized by the Forest Department at Dradhu.