DC Bandipora conducts extensive tour of Gurez sub-division

• Reviews Development works, public issues, and winter preparedness

BANDIPORA: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, undertook a three-day comprehensive tour of Gurez Sub-Division, covering Tulail, Izmarg, Dawar, Chorwan, and Achoora, to review developmental works, assess winter preparedness, and interact with the local population to address their concerns. During the visit, DC chaired a meeting of district and sectoral officers at Gurez, where she conducted a sector-wise review of ongoing developmental activities and stressed their timely execution to ensure that the benefits reach the grassroots level.

DC directed officers to work in close coordination for effective service delivery and to make advance arrangements for adequate stocks of ration, fuel, and medicines in view of the harsh winter months. She further emphasized the need for uninterrupted power supply and healthcare services throughout winter. On the occasion, DC launched the ‘Transect Walk’ under the Aadi Karmayogi initiative, aimed at empowering tribal villages as agents of change and promoting sustainable development.

DC visited Tulail Block and inspected various developmental works underway. She interacted with locals to receive first-hand feedback on issues related to health, education, electricity, PHE, and connectivity. She also visited fire-affected families in Kashpot, Tulail, and assured them of all possible administrative support.

At Badugam, DC inspected the Cluster Level Federation Sahelian and directed the NRLM, in collaboration with BDOs of Gurez and Tulail, to implement solid waste management and sanitation initiatives. She instructed SHGs to establish tuck shops for cloth bags in view of the ban on Single Use Plastic and encouraged them to engage in plastic shredding for proper waste disposal.

During her visit to Izmarg, DC held a public interaction, where residents raised issues regarding poor mobile connectivity, shortage of lecturers at Higher Secondary School Izmarg, and demands for an ATM and Fire Service Station. Indu assured that genuine grievances would be taken up with the concerned authorities and advised residents to adopt fire safety measures and learn the proper use of fire extinguishers.

DC also visited the Mountain Agriculture Research & Extension Station (MAR&ES) Izmarg, where she was briefed on research and extension activities being carried out by SKUAST-K to improve agricultural productivity and promote organic farming practices. At Dawar, DC visited the Sub-District Hospital and interacted with doctors, paramedical staff, and patients to review health facilities. She also inspected the Fire and Emergency Station Dawar and held discussions with the staff regarding preparedness and response mechanisms.

During a market visit, DC interacted with shopkeepers and the Traders’ Association, where issues of drainage, waste management, street lighting, and parking were raised. She emphasized strict enforcement of the ban on plastic use and directed imposing fines on violators. Additionally, Indu visited the local sports stadium at Dawar, interacted with youth and players, and encouraged them to actively participate in sports while maintaining cleanliness of the playfield.

On the third day of the tour, DC visited Chorwan and Achoora villages of Gurez, interacted with the local people, listened to their concerns, and assured them of all possible support from the district administration. Among others, DPO ICDS Bandipora, SDM Gurez, ACD Bandipora, CMO Bandipora, Tehsildar Gurez, other sectoral officers, and representatives of various line departments were present.