BARAMULLA, Feb 17: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary convened a meeting today in Baramulla to assess the developmental status of the district, focusing on progress in ongoing projects, identifying implementation challenges, and ensuring the timely execution of key initiatives in various sectors.
The Deputy Chief Minister carried out an in-depth review of projects undertaken by departments such as Public Works (PWD), Health, Rural Development (RDD), Education, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry, as well as initiatives under the Jal Jeevan Mission and KPDCL.
Legislators from the respective areas expressed their concerns and requests, addressing issues related to mining in the Uri sub-division, the development of Parihaspora and Pattan as heritage villages, the acceleration of drainage projects in Sopore, road macadamization in the Wagoora-Kreeri region, and other developmental matters.
In response to these concerns, the Deputy Chief Minister instructed relevant officials to hasten the progress of ongoing projects to guarantee timely completion.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between elected officials and administrative officers, encouraging them to work together closely to meet the public’s aspirations and transform the district into a thriving economic center.
Prior to this, the Deputy Chief Minister was briefed by the District Commissioner on the current development landscape of Baramulla and various longstanding demands. These included the establishment of mini secretariats in Sopore, Tangmarg, Baramulla, and Uri; multi-level parking facilities in Sopore and Baramulla; additional hospitals and upgrades to GMC Baramulla; ensuring the availability of specially skilled doctors; improving the Gulmarg road; facilitating eco-tourism in areas like Mund Daji, Kitar Daji, and Shrunz Fall; advancing the boundary wall and road improvements around SKAUST Wadoora; enhancing the sewage network in towns; and upgrading the stadium with floodlight installation.
Addressing these demands, the Deputy Chief Minister requested updates from departmental heads on the matters raised, directing them to prioritize necessary tasks and ensure completion within defined timeframes, thus preventing unnecessary delays.
He reaffirmed that legislators represent the people’s voices, stressing the importance of timely action from officers concerning their concerns. He instructed officials to prioritize these issues and ensure their resolution is handled promptly.
Recapitulating the government’s commitment to accelerating development and enhancing public infrastructure in Baramulla, the Deputy Chief Minister assured that all genuine demands and grievances would be attended to swiftly. He urged all stakeholders to adopt a results-oriented approach to establish Baramulla as a model district in governance, infrastructure, and public services.
During the meeting, Javed Ahmad Dar highlighted the necessity for transparency in all developmental endeavors and instructed officers to take strict action against those who display leniency or engage in unethical conduct.
Following the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister launched the Sheep Husbandry Wall Calendar and distributed Ayush Cards, marriage assistance sanction letters, subsidy release letters under PM-NREGA, and provided educational assistance totaling Rs. 4.05 crore for 9,507 beneficiaries.
Attendees of the meeting included Javed Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections; MLAs Sajad Ahmad, Irfan Hafeez Lone, Irshad Ahmad Kar, Javaid Riyaz Bedar, and Farooq Ahmad Shah (who joined virtually); District Development Commissioner Minga Sherpa; department heads; and sectoral officers.
