Deputy Commissioner Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas on Wednesday led the Block Diwas proceedings held at Government High School (GHS) Marhoon in Billawar, engaging with local residents and officials.
The event witnessed the participation of DDC Billawar Bikram Singh, DDC Nagrota Gujroo Narayan Dutt Tripathi, ADC Billawar Vinay Khosla, ADC Kathua Ranjit Singh, CPO Kathua Ranjit Thakur, ACD Akhil Sadotra, and other senior officers, including XEN PHE, XEN PWD Billawar, XEN PMGSY Billawar, CEO Kathua, District Ayush Officer and various district and sectoral officers.
The local representatives highlighted several pressing demands, seeking the upgradation of GHS Marhoon to GHSS, conversion of the local sub-center into a Primary Health Care facility, construction of the Malhad-to-Marhoon road, establishment of ration depots in Wards 3 and 6 of Malhad, and addressing issues such as water scarcity, approval of pending old age and widow pension cases, and other concerns of nearby Panchayats like Malhad.
DC Dr. Rakesh Minhas, gave a patient hearing to the public grievances and assured timely redressal. Regarding the upgradation of GHS Marhoon and the sub-center, he informed that feasibility reports have already been submitted and assured expedited action.
He further announced the allocation of ₹10 lakh for the construction of a shed on the Dhola Jhode trek to boost local tourism. On the issue of the Malhad-Marhoon road, Dr. Minhas informed the locals that forest clearance will be completed by the end of the month.
He directed the concerned departments to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for other road projects and assured their timely approval and execution. He also assured inhabitants for considering their demand of opening ration shops in Wards 3 and 6 soon.
Taking cognisance of the wrongly categorised Ration categories to members of SC/ ST community, the DC directed AD FCS&CA to take appropriate corrective measures on merit. The DC urged various departments to organize awareness camps to enroll eligible beneficiaries under government schemes.
He called upon locals to assist security forces in maintaining peace and prosperity in the region. DDC Billawar, Bikram Singh apprised the locals about various developmental works being undertaken in the Marhoon area.
He emphasized the need for improved road connectivity, particularly the Majnu-Chew-Marhoon-Noag stretch, and urged government employees to discharge their duties with sincerity. DDC Nagrota Gujroo, Narayan Dutt Tripathi appealed to the locals to cooperate with government employees to ensure proper implementation of government schemes.
He also encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and actively monitor the progress of developmental projects in their area. Earlier, XEN PHE, AD Food and Supplies, AEE JKPDCL, and other officers sensitized the locals about various schemes and initiatives of their respective departments.
Later, the DC Kathua inspected ongoing construction work of Billawar Cafeteria coming up at Tandi with an estimated cost of Rs 13 Lac under CAPEX. The Cafeteria will be completed by ending December this year going to benefit locals and visiting Tourists.