Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today directed the officers to expedite clearances, resolve pending issues and ensure timely completion of key developmental and public utility projects in Baramulla Assembly Constituency.
The directions were issued during a review meeting convened by the Minister at the Civil Secretariat to assess the status of ongoing development works and public welfare schemes in the constituency represented by MLA Javid Hassan Baig.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding afforestation and greening initiatives for Baramulla town, pending issues related to the Janbazpora-Kandikhan Irrigation Scheme and progress on the Sheeri Lift Irrigation Schemes under Phase-I and Phase-II.
The Minister directed the concerned officers to take all necessary measures for expeditious completion of works and early resolution of the pending issues. Regarding establishment of the City Forest at Azad Gunj, Baramulla, Javed Rana directed the concerned officers to actively pursue the proposal pending with the Government of India.
He emphasized the need for close coordination and regular follow-up with the concerned authorities so that the project is accorded due priority and taken up at the earliest. The Minister said that the proposed City Forest would not only enhance the green cover in the area but also provide recreational spaces for the public while promoting environmental conservation and sustainable urban development.
During the meeting, issues concerning the tribal welfare also came up for discussion, particularly those related to forest clearances, road connectivity in tribal areas, public utility infrastructure and implementation of tribal rights.
The Minister directed the concerned officers to proactively address the pending forest-related issues, improve access to essential services in tribal habitations and ensure effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) so that the rightful benefits envisaged under the Act reach tribal communities in a timely and transparent manner.
He reiterated the government's commitment towards safeguarding the rights and interests of tribal people and promoting their socio-economic development through improved infrastructure, connectivity and public service delivery. Regarding the Girls Hostel in Baramulla, the Minister directed to complete all the pending formalities related to its handover and takeover at the earliest.
He stressed that the hostel should be made fully operational without further delay so that benefits reach the students, particularly girl students from remote and underserved areas, thereby strengthening access to educational facilities and accomodation.
The Minister also reviewed matters relating to the Sangri Top-Sheeri Road, Kattianwali Road and Kawhar Road, particularly issues concerning forest clearances and No Objection Certificates (NOCs). He instructed the Forest Department to facilitate timely processing of cases in accordance with prescribed norms so that developmental works are not unnecessarily delayed.
Reviewing the Delina Irrigation Scheme and major water supply schemes serving Delina, Jalsheeri and adjoining areas, Javed Rana emphasized the need to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply and directed the Jal Shakti Department to address all technical and infrastructural deficiencies on priority.
The meeting also discussed flood protection and restoration works along Seesri Nallah. The Minister called for comprehensive measures to safeguard the habitations and agricultural land from flood-related risks and directed the concerned agencies to prepare a time-bound action plan.
Special attention was given to the upgradation and strengthening of rural water supply schemes across the constituency. The Minister stressed the importance of improving the service delivery and ensuring equitable access to safe drinking water in both urban and rural areas.
Reviewing the Chandsuma Water Supply Scheme, the Minister directed the concerned authorities to explore viable options for identification and development of a sustainable water source and take necessary steps for mobilization of resources required for the project.
He also had detailed discussion on issues related to drinking water shortage in Kalayban, Heewan, Sheeri, Kanispora and other adjoining areas. He instructed the officers to undertake immediate interventions to mitigate public inconvenience and ensure adequate water supply to affected areas.
Reaffirming the government's commitment towards people-centric governance, the Minister directed all the concerned departments to maintain close coordination and regularly monitor ongoing works with efficient utilisation of available resources.
He emphasized that developmental projects should be completed within stipulated timelines and that public grievances must be addressed promptly. MLA Javid Hassan Baig highlighted various development issues and put forth several demands concerning infrastructure development, drinking water supply, road connectivity, public utilities and other civic amenities in the constituency.
He sought the Minister's intervention for early resolution of these issues and expeditious implementation of the ongoing development projects. Several deputations and individuals from Baramulla constituency also raised certain issues related to their respective areas and urged the intervention of the Minister for their early redressal.
Senior officers of the Jal Shakti, Forest, Tribal Departments and other allied departments attended the meeting. They briefed the Minister on the status of various projects and measures being undertaken to resolve pending issues.