MENDHAR, (POONCH): Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Environment, Ecology and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted a public outreach programme at Mendhar, assessing the ground-level challenges confronting the people.
During the interaction, the Minister patiently listened to a wide range of grievances and demands raised by the public. Key issues highlighted included drinking water supply schemes, road connectivity, health services and the delivery of other essential public utilities.
The residents urged the government to ensure the timely execution of developmental works and improvement in the quality of basic amenities.
Responding to the concerns, the Minister assured the people that all the genuine issues and demands of Mendhar would be addressed on priority.
Taking serious note of the issues raised, the Minister issued clear directions to the officers of the concerned departments to expedite ongoing and approved developmental works. He asked them to strictly adhere to the stipulated timelines and ensure tangible results while maintaining transparency and accountability.
The Minister underscored that public-centric governance, accountability and responsiveness remain the core philosophy of the Omar Abdullah-led government. He directed the officers to ensure that the benefits of development percolate to the grassroots in a time-bound manner and that public grievances are addressed promptly and effectively.
During the outreach event, a delegation of the All J&K Non-Gazetted Forest Officers Association submitted a memorandum seeking revision of the pay level of Forest Guards from Pay Level-2 to Pay Level-4, at par with Patwaris, Junior Assistants and Village Level Workers (VLWs), and corresponding upgradation of Foresters to Pay Level-6.
The delegation also demanded a grant of 2½ days’ additional salary and a risk allowance, citing the round-the-clock nature of duties, night work and life risks involved in forest protection. Additionally, they sought recognition of forest frontline staff under the technical category, given the specialized and technical nature of their responsibilities.
Another delegation from Poonch apprised the Minister of key developmental concerns of the district, including upgradation of health infrastructure, road connectivity and power supply.
Similarly, a delegation highlighted the vast untapped tourism potential of their areas. They urged the government to promote sustainable tourism through eco-friendly infrastructure, community participation and preservation of local ecology and culture.
The public interaction was attended by Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Jammu, Hanief Choudhary; SDM Mendhar, Imran Kataria; Superintendent Hydraulic Poonch, Vipan Kumar; Executive Engineers of PWD, PHE and PMGSY; Block Medical Officer Mendhar and other sub-divisional officers from Revenue, RD & PR, Education and allied departments. They briefed the Minister on the status of works under their respective jurisdictions.
The Minister also directed the officers to maintain close inter-departmental coordination and submit regular progress reports on the issues raised during the interaction to ensure effective follow-up and timely resolution.
