SURANKOTE: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, on Friday reviewed development works and post-flood restoration measures in Surankote, directing departments to expedite rehabilitation efforts and strengthen essential infrastructure in the flood-affected area.
The review meeting, held at Dak Bungalow Surankote, was attended by MLA Surankote Choudhary Akram, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Surankote Farooq Khan and senior officers from various departments.
During the meeting, the MLA highlighted developmental issues and public concerns in the Surankote Assembly constituency, seeking timely intervention from the government.
The SDM presented a report on the impact of recent floods and cloudbursts, detailing damage to residential houses, agricultural land, irrigation networks, roads, power infrastructure, water supply systems and other public assets. The presentation also outlined relief, restoration and rehabilitation measures undertaken by different departments.
Officials from the Jal Shakti, Rural Development, Public Works, Irrigation and Flood Control, Power Development, Agriculture and Horticulture departments briefed the meeting on ongoing restoration works and future plans.
The minister directed the Jal Shakti Department to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for strengthening and improving the water supply system in Surankote town. He also asked the department to formulate proposals for lift irrigation schemes, particularly in areas where irrigation canals were damaged during the floods, affecting agricultural activities, including paddy cultivation.
The Forest Department was instructed to intensify its activities and ensure visible progress on the ground, while all departments were asked to adopt a people-centric approach and remain responsive to public grievances.
The minister also directed departments to organise awareness and facilitation camps to inform residents about government schemes, relief measures and assistance programmes.
Emphasising inter-departmental coordination, he called for timely execution of restoration and development works and announced that regular public meetings would be held in Surankote to review grievances and monitor progress on key issues.