In order to review the progress achieved in different sectors / flagship schemes under implementation in District Bandipora and assessment of COVID-19 control efforts, Director Rural Development Kashmir Mr. Qazi Sarwar here today toured various blocks of district Bandipora. The Director was accompanied by Superintending Engineer REW Kashmir, ACD Bandipora, Executive Engineer, REW Bandipora, Block Development Officers and field staff of the District.The Director stressed upon execution of Works under various flagship programmes as per sanctioned estimates and their completion within stipulated time lines and as per the latest instructions communicated by the Government. Besides, pursuance to directions of Advisor Baseer Khan, it was enjoined upon all the concerned officers to take-up the works in each and every Panchayat of the District (except Red Zone areas), so as to revive the rural economy in view of prevailing situation. The Director visited various work sites and interacted with the labourers registered under MGNREGA. They were advised to follow safety protocols including frequent washing of hands, use of face masks and maintenance of social distancing at work sites.After the field visit, the DRDK chaired a review meeting at Mini Secretariat Bandipora which was attended by concerned Sectoral / block level officers / officials of the District. It was informed that 116 number of new works have been taken-up in the District, engaging 1356 House-holds and generating 8580 PDs. Further the District has procured 3.96 lacs reusable cotton masks out of which 3.00 lacs masks were distributed among health Officials, Frontline workers and general public (priority/ non-priority beneficiaries) with main focus on distribution of masks in Red Zone areas.The Director also held a separate interaction session with Chairpersons of Block Development Councils in which their role in containment of spread of COVID19 was highly appreciated as a result of which the district has remarkably performed in reducing the number of COVID-19 positive cases. The Chairpersons highlighted several grievance for which the Director issued on-spot directions to the concerned officers for their immediate redressal.Further, the Director assured the participants to forward certain grievance cannot be resolved at Directorate level to higher competent authorities.