Minister for Agricultural Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR), Javid Ahmad Dar, today said that the government is committed to revolutionise the agriculture and allied sectors through successful implementation of Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), in Jammu and Kashmir.
These remarks were made by the Minister while chairing a maiden meeting held to review the overall developmental scenario of district Baramulla.
The Minister underscored the need for successful implementation of all flagship schemes to ensure their benefits reach to the end beneficiary at grass root level.
He asked the local representatives to support administration for successful implementation of schemes including HADP, PMAY-G, MGNREGA and other flagship programmes for public convenience.
In order to ensure uninterrupted water supply to all areas of Baramulla, the Minister directed the concerned department to take immediate action to address the shortage of skilled staff at water supply schemes across the district, ensuring that the public does not face any inconvenience.
He emphasised the need for strong collaboration between elected legislators and administrative officers, urging them to work in close coordination to fulfil the aspirations of the people and transform the district into a thriving economic hub.
Keeping in view the winter season, the Minister asserted that scheduled power supply be ensured to the consumers and adequate arrangements for the buffer stock of transformers be made available at all stations for prompt installation against damaged ones.
Directions were given to the concerned officers to ensure better healthcare and education facilities including strengthening of GMC Baramulla.
The Minister stressed on ensuring proper garbage disposal and implementation of SBM for better sanitation and cleanliness in the district.
The meeting was attended by the Chairperson District Development Council (DDC) Baramulla, Safina Beigh, MLA Baramulla, Javaid Ahmad Beigh, MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafiz Lone, MLA Sopore, Irshad Ahmad Kar, MLA Pattan, Riyaz Bedar, MLA Uri, Sajad Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, Additional District Development Commissioner Baramulla, Syed Qamar Sajad, and HODs and officers from all the concerned departments.
Earlier, the DC provided a comprehensive presentation, outlining the district’s overall developmental landscape and highlighting both the financial and physical progress achieved across various sectors through ongoing developmental projects.
The Minister was briefed on major infrastructure projects, including Government Medical College, construction for which is 85% complete, progress on the National Highway, black-topping of roads under R&B, completion of the first phase of transit accommodation for migrants, and other key initiatives.
The Minister attentively listened to the demands and grievances presented by the MLAs from different constituencies. The demands and issues raised by the DDC chairperson and legislators included incomplete road and infrastructure projects under PMGSY, R&B, and NABARD, power woes, functioning of the WSS, street lighting, road widening, staff augmentation, upgradation of educational institutions and health centres, completion of Bridge, proper solid waste management, unavailability of quality fertilisers and pesticides, testing labs for apple growers, the restoration of water bodies, and road construction issues and others.
Meanwhile, Chairperson DDC, Safina Beigh, emphasised the urgency of addressing key issues, including the completion of various bridges under R&B, the construction of an inland port and establishment of a cluster port for vegetables and fruits.
She asked the officers to prevent procedural delays and ensure that allocated funds for these projects are utilized effectively without lapsing.
Responding to the demands presented by the MLAs, the Minister assured that all grievances within his purview would be addressed promptly, while the remaining issues would be forwarded to the concerned authorities for swift resolution.