Kalakote, Nov 19 (KNO): Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, who is on a week-long tour of the Pir Panjal Region, received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the residents of Kalakote on Tuesday.
The Minister's visit was preceded by a meeting with officers at Sunderbani earlier in the day.
At the Dak Bungalow in Kalakote, the Minister held a public darbar to directly engage with the people and address their concerns.
The gathering saw residents raising issues primarily related to the Jal Shakti Department, implementation of the Forest Rights Act, and demands for improved road connectivity in certain areas.
Expressing gratitude for the grand reception, Minister Rana reassured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to resolving their grievances. He emphasized that all issues, including those pertaining to the Jal Shakti Department and the Forest Rights Act, would be addressed in a phased and systematic manner.
Javed Rana affirmed the government’s dedication to implementing the Forest Rights Act in letter and spirit, ensuring justice for all stakeholders.
“Our government is committed to serving the people. We are focused on delivering services at the doorstep to ensure ease and accessibility for the public,” he said.
During the darbar, Minister issued specific directions to ensure swift action on critical issues:
ADC Kalakote was directed to submit a list of developmental works that have been halted due to any hurdles.
Instructions were issued to resolve the land compensation issue of the Gujjar Hostel at the earliest.
Furthermore, a directive was given to submit a list of families who are landless so that 5 marla plots can be allotted to them for construction under the PMAY scheme. Assurances were made that the issue of electricity bills raised by the public would be resolved promptly.
The Superintending Engineer (SE) was directed to expedite the completion and fictionalization of borewells/dug wells in the area.
As part of his commitment to promoting environmental conservation, Minister Rana also distributed plants to the public during his visit, encouraging the community to actively participate in afforestation efforts.
Javed Rana’s visit to Kalakote reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to connect with people at the grassroots level and address their concerns effectively.
The public appreciated his proactive approach and expressed hope for the timely redressal of their issues.
The event was attended by senior officers of the district administration, who took note of the public's grievances and assured their cooperation in resolving them—(KNO)