Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat here to review the development works being executed in Sonawari Assembly Constituency.
The meeting was convened to assess the progress of various development projects and public welfare initiatives under implementation in the constituency besides discussing the measures for expediting the priority works. Detailed deliberations were held on issues relating the civic amenities, infrastructure development, public services and other sectoral requirements raised by the local Legislator.
During the meeting, the Minister took a comprehensive review of the ongoing and proposed works being executed across the departments. He emphasised the need for close inter-departmental coordination to ensure timely completion of the projects with effective service delivery.
The Minister sought details regarding the partially functional schemes and directed the officers to undertake upgradation and replacement of pumping machinery wherever necessary. He took up the matter of desilting of canals and stressed the need for rejuvenation of water bodies, urging a focused approach towards the groundwater works.
He also directed that the approved hand pumps be executed at the earliest without further delay. Javed Rana directed the officers to identify and remove the bottlenecks hampering the progress of works and ensure prompt redress of public concerns.
"Accountability, transparency and efficiency must define the execution of every developmental project. The officers must maintain regular monitoring so that the benefits of various schemes reach the people in a time-bound manner," maintained the Minister.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Hilal Akbar Lone highlighted several developmental requirements of the constituency and sought intervention of the concerned departments for their resolution. During the meeting, the Minister was informed that 21 Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes have been completed in the constituency and are ready for inauguration.
The Minister stated that these schemes would significantly improve the access to safe drinking water across several areas of the constituency, providing much-needed relief to the residents. He expressed hope that the projects would soon be dedicated to the public, enabling people to avail the intended benefits and strengthening the drinking water infrastructure in the region.
The Minister appreciated the progress achieved in the constituency and directed the concerned departments to complete all requisite formalities for operationalisation of the completed projects at the earliest. The Minister also reviewed the progress of various tribal welfare and development works being undertaken in the constituency.
He emphasized the need for effective implementation of schemes aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities. MLA Hilal Lone raised the issue of timber availability in the constituency and urged the government to establish a timber sale depot at Sumbal to facilitate easier access to timber for the local population.
The Minister directed the concerned officers to examine the proposal and take appropriate action. The MLA also highlighted the growing menace of wild boars in several areas of the constituency, stating that the increasing population of animals has caused considerable inconvenience and losses to the local residents, particularly farmers.
The Minister directed the Wildlife Protection Department to assess the situation and explore suitable measures for mitigating the problem. Hilal Akbar Lone further stressed the need for undertaking desiltation and conservation measures for the Wular Lake to preserve its ecological significance and improve its overall health.
He also called for enhanced efforts towards promotion of eco-tourism around the lake, emphasizing its immense potential for generating sustainable livelihood opportunities and boosting the local economy.
The meeting was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Director Finance, PHE, Director Planning, PHE, Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control/Jal Shakti Department, Conservator of Forests, North Kashmir, Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, Superintending Engineer, Hydraulic Division, Bandipora, Divisional Forest Officer, Bandipora, Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, Bandipora, Executive Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Bandipora, Executive Engineer, Mechanical, North Sopore, Executive Engineer, Ground Water, Srinagar, and Wildlife Warden, North Kashmir.