POONCH: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Friday interacted with residents of Qazi Mohra and Jhulas villages in Poonch district to assess problems arising from recent flash floods and landslides and hear public grievances.
At Qazi Mohra, residents informed the Minister about extensive damage to public infrastructure caused by the floods and sought immediate restoration of affected facilities. They highlighted difficulties faced by the local population due to damage to roads, water supply infrastructure and other essential services.
Rana assured the residents that the government was committed to the timely restoration of damaged infrastructure and would provide all necessary support to affected families.
Later, during a public interaction at Jhulas, residents raised several development-related issues, including shortages of drinking water, damage to irrigation infrastructure and the need to restore water supply schemes affected by the floods.
People also highlighted concerns regarding the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and sought effective settlement and protection of the rights of forest-dwelling communities.
The Minister said all issues raised during the interactions would be examined on priority and taken up with the concerned departments for time-bound action. He reiterated that addressing public grievances and restoring infrastructure damaged by the recent floods remained among the government’s key priorities.
Rana also assured residents that matters related to forest-dwelling communities and implementation of the Forest Rights Act would be addressed in accordance with the law and with due regard to the legitimate rights of the people.
He stressed that regular public outreach was essential for understanding ground realities and ensuring that development and restoration measures are aligned with the immediate needs of affected communities.
