POONCH: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the Sports Stadium, Poonch, where Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana unfurled the National Flag.
The celebrations featured an impressive parade by 28 contingents, including personnel from JKP, JKAP, NCC, CRPF, the Police Band and students from various educational institutions. A vibrant cultural programme showcasing the rich traditions and talent of the region added colour and energy to the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister congratulated the people of Poonch on Republic Day and underlined the significance of the Indian Constitution in empowering the citizens to democratically elect their government. He paid rich tributes to the bravery and resilience displayed by the people of Poonch during Operation Sindoor, describing their courage and sacrifices as unparalleled.
The Minister made special mention of village Kalaban, which was hit by a devastating landslide in September 2025, leaving 123 families without belongings and causing losses worth crores of rupees. He said the Omar Abdullah-led government and district administration ensured timely relief and assistance and informed that the Chief Minister has ordered allotment of five marla land to each affected family.
Highlighting the development works, the Minister stated that during the current financial year, over ₹67 crore have been approved under the district administration through which 2,762 works related to water supply, electricity, health, roads and public infrastructure are being executed. He added that work on the Jammu–Poonch National Highway has been accelerated and the opening of the Kundi and Nowshera tunnels has significantly eased travel in hilly areas.
The Minister further informed that a ₹650 crore power project is under execution in Poonch district, which will generate 37 megawatts of electricity. Work is also progressing rapidly on 40 new roads under PMGSY Phase-IV.
Under the SASCI programme, eight projects worth ₹167.6 million are under execution by the Public Works Department. Under NABARD, two important bridges at Sathra and Santi are being constructed at a cost of ₹19 crore. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 132 schemes worth ₹502 crore are being implemented, with 18 already completed and 14 nearing completion. Additionally, 52 new water schemes have been approved under UT CAPEX, with ₹478.8 million allocated during the current financial year.
The Minister also noted that under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), around 50,000 pucca houses have been constructed in the district.
MLA Haveli Ajaz Ahmad Jan, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police Poonch Shafkat Bhat, DDC Members Ch. Abdul Ghani and Ch. Riyaz Bashir Naaz, Advocate Mahroof Khan and Advocate Nazir Choudhary, senior officers of the district administration, representatives of civil society organisations, principals and students from various educational institutions, besides a large gathering of the general public.
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, celebrating the achievements of participants who received trophies and mementos for their contributions to the community, reinforcing the spirit of unity and progress in Poonch.
