POONCH: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress on developmental works being executed across Poonch district.
The Minister emphasised that development must not only be rapid but also durable, environmentally sustainable and aligned with the needs of the people. He said that all the departments must ensure quality execution and timely completion of the projects for the larger public benefit.
Earlier, the Minister undertook a detailed sector-wise review covering key schemes and departments, including NABARD, MGNREGA, PMGSY, JPDCL, SASCI, Jal Shakti besides roads, bridges, tourism, forestry, horticulture and the Rural Development Department.
Reviewing the road infrastructure projects under PMGSY and NABARD, the Minister directed the officials to identify and address bottlenecks impeding the progress of development projects. He stressed the incorporation of proper drainage systems, slope stabilisation measures and other safeguards to ensure long-term durability and all-weather connectivity.
Rana underscored that infrastructure development in hilly regions like Poonch must be resilient and environmentally sensitive. Highlighting the social welfare priorities, the Minister called for intensified outreach efforts to ensure that labour welfare schemes reach the beneficiaries in remote and underserved areas.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of water conservation, urging the departments to adopt a coordinated approach to protect and sustainably manage water resources.
He also reviewed the functioning of the food grain distribution system and directed the officials to enforce strict quality control measures. He called for regular surprise inspections to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in the public distribution system.
On employment generation, Rana stressed the need to make job fairs more result-oriented and impactful. He urged for greater involvement of the elected representatives in the implementation of Mission YUVA to expand its outreach and ensure meaningful engagement with the youth.
Reaffirming Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to balanced and inclusive development, the Minister instructed all the departments to ensure time-bound completion of projects with tangible outcomes.
Earlier, the DDC Poonch presented a comprehensive overview of the ongoing and proposed projects across sectors, including infrastructure, power development, tourism, health, education, mining and rural development.
The meeting also reviewed the physical and financial progress under various schemes, including the UT Capex Budget 2025–26.
Expressing concern over illegal mining, the Minister directed the authorities to take strict action against the violators and enforce regulatory measures rigorously.
Rana further instructed the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to organise awareness camps to educate the farmers and the general public about government schemes and benefits.
A detailed assessment of PMGSY works, including the number of sanctioned and completed projects as well as expenditure status, was also conducted.
The Minister directed all the departments to expedite the pending works while upholding quality standards, transparency and accountability in all developmental initiatives.
The meeting was attended by the senior officers, including District Development Commissioner, Ashok Sharma, Director Horticulture Jammu Gul Sayed, Chief Engineer I&FC Jammu Manoj Gupta, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Jammu Hanief Choudhary, Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL Arshad Hussain Reshi and Chief Engineer (Projects) JPDCL Ravi Kant besides other district officials.
