Jammu: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Monday reviewed the upgradation of infrastructure at Government Degree College Mendhar, assessed desiltation work of minor irrigation canals in Jammu division and heard public grievances at the Civil Secretariat.
At a meeting held to review infrastructure development at Government Degree College Mendhar, the minister took stock of the progress of ongoing works and stressed the need for their timely completion to strengthen academic facilities at the college.
He directed that the construction of the girls’ hostel be completed on priority to ensure adequate residential facilities for girl students.
The meeting also decided that other essential amenities and infrastructure at the college would be upgraded in a phased and time-bound manner to improve the overall academic environment.
Javed Rana stressed the need for close coordination among departments and directed officers to adhere strictly to timelines.
The meeting was attended by officials including the Director RUSA, Director Planning Higher Education, Director Colleges, Chief Engineer PWD (R&B) and Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Mendhar.
Later, the minister chaired another meeting to review the desiltation and cleaning of kuls, or minor irrigation canals, in the Jammu division.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control Jammu, Director Rural Development Jammu and other officers. Former minister Sukhnandan Choudhary, who had recently raised the issue of cleaning and maintenance of minor canals, also participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, Javed Rana reviewed the status of desiltation work and discussed measures required to ensure timely cleaning of all irrigation canals to facilitate smooth irrigation for farmers.
He said proper maintenance of irrigation channels is essential for protecting agricultural productivity and supporting rural livelihoods.
The minister directed the concerned departments to speed up desiltation works and prepare a comprehensive plan for regular maintenance of irrigation canals across the region.
He also instructed officers to ensure close coordination so that farmers receive uninterrupted irrigation facilities during the ongoing agricultural season.
Javed Rana said the government remains committed to strengthening irrigation infrastructure and addressing the concerns of farmers in a time-bound manner.
Separately, the minister met several public delegations at the Civil Secretariat and listened to their grievances.
A delegation from Sidhra informed him about irregular water supply and inadequate tanker services in the area.
Taking note of the issue, the minister directed officers of the Jal Shakti Department to improve water supply and streamline tanker services on priority.
Another delegation comprising casual labourers of the Wildlife Department raised long-pending service and honorarium-related issues.
A separate delegation from Bagh-e-Bahu also met the minister and demanded installation of a tube well to ensure adequate drinking water supply in the area.
The minister assured the delegation that the matter would be examined and directed the concerned authorities to take necessary steps at the earliest.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to responsive governance, Javed Rana said public grievances would continue to be addressed on priority to ensure better service delivery and public welfare.
