Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Mandeep Bhandari, today visited Poonch and held a series of meetings with border residents, civil society members and district administration to know and assess the situation and hardships faced by people in the backdrop of prevailing situation on LOC.During the meeting with border residents and civil society members, Divisional Commissioner held a detailed discussions on preparing a road map for the safety of border residents like construction of bunkers, measures and preparedness for relief & rescue operations during shelling. He took feedback regarding the implementation of welfare schemes, road connectivity, water, power and healthcare in remote areas of this border district.The residents of forward areas including Balakote, Mendhar, Degwar, Kirni ,Shahpour, Gagrian Sawgian apprised the Div Com about their problems.The sought construction of bunkers for individual households, strengthening of telecommunications net works, augmentation and early completion of ongoing road projects specially the roads across the LoC fence, improvement of medical facilities including facilities of ambulances & increase in amount of relief for injured during shelling.They also demanded special recruitment drive for border residents in police and defense services.The div com appreciated the courage shown by the border residents at this tough time and said the government is well abreast of their problems.He said government is committed for their safety and security. He assured the people that all their problems will be looked into in time bound manner and very soon bunkers will be constructed.
Later Div.Com hold meeting with district administration and reviewed the development profile of the district. It was informed in the meeting that against release of fifty percent of funds, eighty one percent expenditure has been recorded till date under different state and central schemes including development of economic infrastructure in the district.He asked the administration for formulating a roadmap for construction of bunkers, community sanitary complexes, power infrastructure for uncovered villages and resolving other issues.He also directed district administration to submit a proposal for construction of individual household bunkers on demand of border residents.He also directed executive engineers of PMGSY& PWD to remove bottlenecks and complete border roads on priority basis. He asked the district officers to work diligently by paying frequent field visits, especially to remote border areas for prompt service delivery.On the occasion ,the Div Com handed over relief cheque of Rs 1 Lakh to next-of-kin of Afraz Ahamad who died in cross-LoC firing in village Qasba .Mr Bandari also reviewed evacuation and relief measures as well as preparedness for quick action in wake of further skirmishes along the LOC necessitating evacuation of civilians from border villages.The Divisional Commissioner appreciated the efforts put in by district administration for timely rescue of the villagers.