Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Chaudhary Lal Singh said that providing basic amenities is high on the agenda of current dispensation.Speaking at a ‘Public Durbar’ here, the Minister said all out efforts are being made to provide better road connectivity, clean drinking water, uninterrupted electricity supply and upgraded educational and health infrastructure to the people of the State, especially those living in rural and far off areas.Several deputations from Kathua, Billawar, Basohli and Hiranagar apprised the Minister about their problems mostly pertaining to roads, water and power supply, irrigation, drainage, health and education.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 the executing agencies in implementing the development projects in their respective 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 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. He also said that trees are important for our well being as they help in creating peaceful, aesthetically pleasing environment. Trees increase our quality of life by bringing natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban settings. They further contribute to our environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, conserving water, preserving soil and supporting wildlife. In the process of making their food, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, we breathe.Later, the Minister also appealed people to ensure mass participation during Shahidi Diwas to be observed on 11 December 2016 at Kathua to pay homage to the martyrs of district Kathua who laid their lives for safeguarding the boundaries of the country. He said the families of the martyrs will be invited on Shahidi Diwas and honored for their sacrifices.Among others, the minster was accompanied by the ACD, DFOs, ACR, XENs, Chief Education Officer, Chief Executive Officer MC Kathua, BDOs, Tehsildar during the meeting.