Anantnag: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan, today made an extensive tour of Kokernag Subdivision to inspect various ongoing Rural Development and Power Development works besides taking stock of Independence Day celebrations and Disaster management preparedness in the area.
The Advisor was accompanied by DDC Chairman Anantnag, Mohammad Yousuf Gorsi, District Development Commissioner, Dr. Piyush Singla, Director RDD, Director Floriculture, MD JKTDC, Chief Engineer JKPDCL, ADC, ACD, and other concerned officers.
The Advisor inspected the 50 MVA receiving sub-station Lisser, Sagam where he was informed that the substation will be augmented 100 percent. Advisor directed the concerned officers to work on mission mode for completing the project in all respects. He gave on spot directions in this regard and fixed October 31, 2021 as the timeline for the same.
Calling the project a mega public welfare initiative, the Advisor said it will cater to more than 10000 households of the area and directed the concerned officers to take periodic review of the progress of work.
The Advisor visited Covid Care Centres at Sagam A and B where he directed the concerned officials to ensure that the centres are run as per the standard guidelines.
Advisor also inspected ongoing works on fishpond and link roads at Sagam being executed by RDD under MGNREGA and 14th FC. He directed to provide timely wages under the scheme and also insisted to focus on employment generating works.
Later, Advisor chaired a review meeting with officers of all line departments at Kokernag and passed on directions to the officers. District Development Commissioner gave a detailed profile of achievements recorded under various sectors in the district. He apprised the Advisor about the Covid vaccination status, Independence Day preparations, progress of works under district capex besides other important areas.
While reviewing power scenario, Advisor directed the concerned officers to ensure adequate power supply across the district. He directed the officers to submit additional requirement for augmenting the power network in the area. He also asked for replacement of the damaged poles, wires and conductors besides putting in place all requisite arrangements keeping in view the approaching winter season.
Advisor asked the officers of all the departments to ensure prompt and immediate redressal of public grievances. He enjoined upon the executing agencies to utilize the remaining working season to the optimum.
Regarding development of sports infrastructure in the area, Advisor reiterated that sports fields and other related facilities are being developed in every panchayat. He asked the officers to identify land for development of playfields in potential areas of the district.
The Advisor while reviewing Covid mitigation efforts said that the Covid is not over yet and people must not lower the guard in order to avert the 3rd Wave. Adherence to Covid Appropriate Behaviour for effective containment of this pandemic is a scientifically established practice being stressed on daily basis by all renowned experts, the Advisor maintained.
Advisor Baseer Khan called upon the people to participate in the vaccination drives with full vigour so that hundred percent population is immunised and a safe bubble is created to avert any looming threat.
Advisor, while taking stock of Disaster management preparedness directed to identify critical and vulnerable spots, where flood protection works under convergence models could be immediately taken up as a proactive measure to avert damage to habitations during floods. He said regular mock drills should also be conducted.
Reviewing the preparations for Independence Day celebrations in the district, Advisor directed the officers to undertake various activities as discussed in the meetings already taken including cleanliness drives prior to the Independence Day. He said cultural programmes, sports activities through youth clubs should be the part of celebrations.
Stressing to showcase the achievements of the government, the Advisor said that the district has witnessed massive progress on development, public welfare, languishing projects and other schemes which must be duly highlighted on the Independence Day. He also directed for inauguration of completed works and laying foundation for new works on the eve of this occasion of national importance.
Hailing tourism potential of the area, the Advisor directed the officers of KDA and Floriculture to take steps for beautification of the area with installation of high mast lights in Kokernag Botanical Garden, Market and other important places. He asked the officers to prepare plans to refurbish the already existing infrastructure and propose new improvements that need to be undertaken for enhancing tourist potential in the area. He asked the officers to list out the facilities that could be outsourced so that the facilities are utilized up to the maximum potential.
On the sidelines of the meeting DDC members, BDC Chairpersons, other PRI members, ULB members and other public representatives besides Auqaf and Civil Society members of the subdivision placed their demands and grievances before the Advisor. DDC, BDC, PRI, ULB members apprised the Advisor about several development issues and demands of their respective areas.
Among others, the demands included provision of Digital X-ray and specialist doctors at SDH Kokernag, repair of electric poles and lights, water scarcity issues, playfield in villages and macadamisation of interior roads. Advisor passed on spot directions for redressal of certain demands and assured the other demands and issues will be taken up at appropriate platforms for their fulfillment.
