POONCH: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Saturday inaugurated a newly constructed rest house at Jaran Wali Gali, laid foundation stones for a water supply augmentation scheme and a road connectivity project, and later held a public outreach programme in Mendhar subdivision.
Rana, accompanied by Surankote MLA Choudhary Mohammad Akram and senior officials, inaugurated the rest house built at a cost of ₹45 lakh under the Union Territory Capex Budget 2025-26.
According to officials, the facility is intended to support field officers and staff engaged in inspections, monitoring and implementation of development works in the remote area, besides improving administrative coordination.
The minister also laid the foundation stone for a Water Supply Augmentation Scheme at Jaran Wali Gali, estimated to cost ₹1.86 crore. The project is aimed at strengthening drinking water infrastructure and improving the availability and reliability of potable water for residents of Jaran Wali Gali and adjoining areas.
Later, Rana launched a 4.702-kilometre Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road project connecting Sanghiote Road with Hattan Ferozalan. The road is expected to provide all-weather connectivity to remote habitations and improve access to healthcare, education, markets and other essential services.
During a public outreach programme at Bhata Dhurian in Mendhar, the minister interacted with residents and heard grievances related to road connectivity, drinking water supply, education, healthcare and other infrastructure requirements.
Residents sought improvement of school buildings, upgradation of educational institutions, augmentation of water supply and better road and healthcare facilities. Rana assured them that genuine issues would be taken up with the concerned departments for resolution.
He said the government was focused on improving public infrastructure and basic amenities, particularly in remote and hilly areas, and directed officials to examine the issues raised by residents and take appropriate action.
The minister also inspected the National Highway-144 road stretch from Kallar to Shadhra Sharief via Kamlo Gali and reviewed road connectivity issues along the route. He discussed improvement measures with officials and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to address bottlenecks and expedite road development works.
Rana said improved road infrastructure was essential for access to services, economic activity and overall development in remote regions. He directed officials to ensure that connectivity-related works are executed in a planned and time-bound manner.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma briefed the minister on the implementation of various government schemes and welfare programmes in the district.
