Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Ch. Lal Singh said that improving basic facilities is high on the agenda of present government and all out efforts are being made to provide better road connectivity, clean drinking water, uninterrupted electricity and up-graded educational and health infrastructure to the people of the State, especially those living in rural and far off areas.This was stated by the Minister at a ‘Public meeting cum grievance redressal camp’ held here at Kathua today.Several deputations from Kathua, Billawar, Basholi and Hiranagar apprised the Minister about their problems mostly pertaining to roads, water and power supply, irrigation, drainage, health and education.People of village Plassi demanded Tube Well to alleviate the water shortage problem whereas demand for repairing Choi – Dhanore road was also raised by the residents.Giving a patient hearing to the deputations Lal Singh assured people that their genuine demands would be addressed in a phased manner. He asked people to extend full cooperation to executing agencies in implementing the development projects in their areas. The Minister further exhorted upon the officers to work for the welfare of common people and appealed to all the stakeholders to come forward for plantation as it will help in bringing favorable climate change.
The Minister also said that to augment the speed of development, forest clearance for various development projects specifically construction of roads, school and health care buildings, were given on time.The Minister added that to give impetus to tourism sector, forest department will soon launch battery car service at Jasrota wildlife sanctuary along with forest huts and proper fencing. He further added that infra for water sports will soon be provided at Ranjit Sagar Dam along with steamers.Lal Singh further added that the present Coalition dispensation has started an era of development under which Medical and engineering college has been sanctioned besides state of the art ‘Atal Setu’ Bridge at Basholi were thrown open for the public.Earlier in the day, the minister took active participation in the plantation drive along from Kalibari Chowk to Kathua wherein ornamental plants were planted.CCF Jammu Roshan Jaggi, Chief Wildlife Warden Suresh Chugh, Director Social Forestry, RD PCB Jammu Showkat Choudhary, Director Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing O.P Vidyarathi, ADC Kathua Bharat Bhushan, DFO Kathua Ashwani Kumar, DFO Wild life, DFO Social Forestry Kathua and other officers of sister wing accompanied the minister during the visit.