In a continued effort to strengthen grassroots governance, Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta, today presided over Block Diwas at Wachi and listened to public issues raised by residents of various villages of Zainapora Sub-Division.
The public from Wachi, Safanagri, Darbugh, Cheermarg, Melhura and adjoining villages flagged key developmental concerns including improvement of road networks, irrigation facilities, canal maintenance, assured and quality water supply, uninterrupted power supply, upgradation of healthcare and transport services, strengthening of horticulture and agriculture support, completion of animal & sheep husbandry works, and strict enforcement of pesticide checking.
Public representatives emphasized the criticality of electricity and irrigation for the agriculture and horticulture sector, and called for equitable distribution of Rural Development resources. While highlighting public welfare issues, locals also appreciated Jal Shakti for significantly improving water supplies in the area.
Residents of Safanagri expressed gratitude to the district administration for establishing a pump shed for irrigation, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the village. Responding to the issues, DC Shopian assured prompt action. He issued on-spot directions to ACD Shopian for immediate desiltation of canals in the area to enhance irrigation facilities and directed that canal maintenance works be taken up during the current season.
Underscoring the importance of a well-maintained irrigation network for the economic health of the farming community, the DC stressed prompt response on works. To promote sports engagement, the DC instructed RDD to take up construction of a Volleyball Court in Wachi.
R&B (PWD) was directed to furnish estimates for village roads in the area. Other demands, he said, will be taken up with concerned departments and works will be incorporated in priority and improvement in other services shall be made to the satisfaction of the public.
On the platform of Block Diwas, the DC appealed to residents of Wachi, Melhura and other villages to proactively support the administration in the fight against drugs.He called upon youth to avail benefits of various government-sponsored self-employment schemes and assured that the district administration will facilitate the engagement of youth and victims alike under rehabilitation and livelihood schemes.
On the occasion, all participants took the Nasha Mukt Pledge. The event was attended by ADDC, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone; ACD, Muzafar Ahmad; SDM Zainapora, Bilal Ahmad; DIO, Showkat Hussain Ganie; Tehsildar Zainapora, Aijaz Ahmad; Ex. Engineer KPDCL, CAHO, BDOs, and other concerned officers and officials, along with hundreds of citizens.