Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Tariq Ahmad Zargar today said that government was keen to project Mandi Tehsil as a major tourist destination to attract high end tourists to the area having captivating natural beauty. The DC was interacting with locals here today at Loran during public grievances redress camp organised as part of public outreach programme launched by the district administration.He said that the tourism potential of Loran and its adjoining areas will be tapped to its full potential. “The upcoming Loran-Tangmarg road project will act as a key link for attracting tourists visiting Kashmir Valley, including world famous Gulmarg,” he added.Zargar said that it has been decided that along with Loran special focus would be laid on development of Nandni Chooul as a major tourist spot for which DPRs worth of Rs 6 crore had already submitted. He hoped that the place would soon emerge as a famous tourism destination and give thrust to the local economy.He urged upon the educated youth of the areas to take benefit of tourism department scheme (guest house scheme) for which government is providing Rs 2 lakh as subsidy.
A large number of locals participated in the camp and put forth their demands including augmentation of drinking water supplt, adequate ration, specially Atta, completing of SDRF works, making of labour cards, upgrading of power supply & related infrastructure, surface connectivity and benefits under various welfare schemes. They also demanded posting of medical staff in health institutions besides veterinary doctors in the area.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the aim of holding the camp was to redress genuine public issues by channelizing resources of government's schemes and acquainting both officers & people about their roles and responsibilities & also take stock of impact of public utility projects & welfare schemes.The DDC directed the FCS & CA department to provide adequate ration to the people. The issues pertaining to high electricity dues and availability of timber and medicines in the area were addressed on the spot.Responding to grievances highlighted by the people pertaining to various others departments, Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officers to redress the pending issues in a time bound manner so that people of the area do not suffer during winter months.Regarding early completion of SDRF works in the area, the DDC directed the concerned department to meet the demand and assured that the funds for the same shall be made available at the earliest.The District development Commissioner also directed CMO Poonch & chief Animal Husbandry officers for providing staff in veterinary & health institutions on priority. Directions were also given to the PHE functionaries to repair supply lines to prevent leakage so that the water reaches to catchment areas.Meanwhile, the DDC asked the women folk to take benefit under Umeed scheme by establishing SHGs for which government is providing enough financial support.