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 facilities to the people of the State, especially those living in rural and far off areas.The Minister was speaking at a public grievance redressal camp held at Kathua here 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.“You will observe a perceptible change on ground shortly,” said the Minister, and assured people that all 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.The Minister also said that to augment the speed of development the department has given time bound Forest clearance for various development projects specifically construction of roads, school and health care buildings. He encouraged the people to plant more trees on vacant land and work in tandem with the forest department to protect these plantations.Lal Singh directed officials to ensure further improvement in the sector and also look for the convergence models wherein the department can work with other departments and can also avail the benefits of various welfare schemes.Earlier, on his arrival at Kathua, the Minister was given a rousing welcome by the people who appreciated the concerted efforts of forest department and congratulated him on receiving Big state of the states award in Environment sector .Principal Chief Conservator Forest A.K Singh, CCF Jammu Roshan Jaggi, Director Social Forestry, Chairman PCB Ravi Kesar, HODs of sister wings, XENs, ACR Kathua, DFOs and other district officers were present during the camp.