Rana reviews development projects in Baramulla district

• Emphasises efficient fund utilisation, timely work completion

JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today virtually reviewed the progress on development projects besides assessing implementation of government schemes in Baramulla district.

During the meeting, the Minister conducted a detailed review of the progress achieved under several flagship schemes and development initiatives. These included Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Irrigation and Flood Control projects, CAMPA, Tribal Affairs schemes, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), NABARD, District Capex and various Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

The meeting was attended by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chairman of the Pollution Control Committee, Director Tribal Affairs Department, Director Finance Tribal Affairs Department and other senior officers.

Legislators from various constituencies of the district, District Development Commissioner Baramulla and all district officers participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

 The Minister emphasised that holistic and balanced development of every region remains the top priority of the current dispensation. He reaffirmed that the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to accelerate infrastructure development and welfare initiatives to ensure timely and efficient delivery of services to the people.

Rana stressed the need for greater accountability and coordination among the government officers to ensure effective implementation of developmental programmes, improved monitoring of public services and prompt resolution of issues affecting different constituencies of the district.

Highlighting the importance of optimal utilisation of resources, the Minister directed the concerned departments to ensure that allocated funds are utilised effectively and do not lapse, so that developmental works directly benefit the public.He also expressed concern over the apprehensions raised by MLAs regarding the possible lapse of funds and directed the Deputy Commissioner to work closely with the Legislators and concerned departments to ensure timely utilisation of allocated resources.

Addressing administrative challenges faced by the public in Baramulla, the Minister asked the Deputy Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive exercise and submit a proposal for easing administrative hurdles arising from jurisdictional issues, so that appropriate corrective measures can be taken.

While expressing satisfaction over the overall progress achieved on various developmental works, the Minister noted that certain projects are still pending and require expedited execution. He urged the officers to adopt a proactive and result-oriented work culture to ensure timely completion of development projects.

During the meeting, Legislators from different constituencies raised several issues concerning infrastructure development and public services.

MLA Baramulla, Javed Hassan Beigh, raised key issues including decongestion of Old Town Baramulla, establishment of a multi-level car parking facility, implementation of the water supply scheme under AMRUT 2.0 for Baramulla town, beautification and upgradation of the National Highway stretch from Delina to Khanpora and approval of the Sheeri–Shranz via Kawhar (Defence Road) project.

MLA Uri, Dr. Sajad Shafi Uri, highlighted the need for upgradation of existing power feeders and establishment of receiving stations at Nambla, Trikanjan and Bijhama. He also raised the issue of upgradation of the 33 KV Uri power line besides sanctioning of a Forest Guest House and a PHE Inspection Hut at Uri.

MLA Pattan, Javaid Riyaz, sought implementation of the AMRUT water supply scheme for Pattan town, upgradation of Community Health Centre (CHC) Pattan to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) and establishment of a New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) at Nihalpora along with an Urban Health Centre in Pattan town. He further requested for construction of Mini Secretariat and residential complex for government offices in Pattan town and development of a mini parking complex.

MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, raised issues including construction of a multi-level car parking facility, water reservoir at Tangmarg, phased completion of the mini-secretariat at Tangmarg, development of an indoor stadium at Wussan, implementation of water supply schemes for Utikoo and Wussan and widening and upgradation of the Goigam–Pinjoora road.

MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, demanded upgradation of SDH Sopore to a District Hospital, strengthening of Nahre-Zangeer canal and execution of special water supply schemes for Adipora, Sharkvara Sopore Rural, Check Nowpora and Wular Stage I & II.

MLA Wagoora–Kreeri, Irfan Hafiz Lone, raised issues related to restoration of canals, upgradation of health facilities, filling of vacancies in government departments, and construction and improvement of roads in his constituency.

Responding to the concerns raised, the Minister assured the MLAs that the issues highlighted during the meeting are under consideration of the government and will be addressed in a time-bound manner. He reiterated that all matters concerning the public welfare will receive due priority and necessary action will be taken to resolve them in the larger interest of the people.