SRINAGAR, June 4: 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 measures for expediting priority works. Detailed deliberations were held on issues relating to 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 departments. He emphasised the need for close inter-departmental coordination to ensure timely completion of projects and effective service delivery.
The Minister sought details regarding partially functional schemes and directed the officers to undertake upgradation and replacement of pumping machinery wherever necessary. He also took up the matter of desilting of canals and stressed the need for rejuvenation of water bodies, urging a focused approach towards groundwater works. He further directed that the approved hand pumps be installed at the earliest without further delay.
Javed Rana directed the officers to identify and remove bottlenecks hampering the progress of works and ensure prompt redressal of public concerns.
“Accountability, transparency and efficiency must define the execution of every developmental project. Officers must maintain regular monitoring so that the benefits of various schemes reach the people in a time-bound manner,” the Minister maintained.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Hilal Akbar Lone highlighted several developmental requirements of the constituency and sought the 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 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 themselves of the intended benefits and strengthening 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 emphasised 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 the animals has caused considerable inconvenience and losses to 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 Wular Lake to preserve its ecological significance and improve its overall health. He also called for enhanced efforts towards the promotion of eco-tourism around the lake, emphasising its immense potential for generating sustainable livelihood opportunities and boosting the local economy.
