Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Dec 28: Javed Ahmed Rana, the Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, conducted a comprehensive review meeting today with officials from various departments in Rajouri. The focus of the meeting was to evaluate the progress of development projects and tribal welfare initiatives being implemented throughout the district.
Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, provided updates on the status of numerous developmental initiatives underway, supported by both central and UT welfare schemes.
The discussions encapsulated a broad spectrum of topics, including Rural Development, Power Supply, Public Works, PMGSY, Jal Jeevan Mission, Irrigation and Flood Control, enhancement of education and health facilities, the establishment of Cluster Tribal Model Villages, forestry, wildlife initiatives, tribal welfare programs, and various other social sector initiatives.
The Minister underscored the necessity of ensuring quality standards in developmental activities while promoting a robust work culture and high standards of workmanship.
He directed the Deputy Commissioner to pinpoint state land to create a land bank, which would facilitate plantation efforts under the Forest Department, especially as a compensatory measure for projects affecting forested areas.
Javed Rana proposed the installation of community-based handpumps instead of individual setups and announced the allocation of two water tankers per constituency in Rajouri district to mitigate water scarcity in underserved villages.
The Minister also called for Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of Rs 10 crore each per constituency focused on soil conservation, aligning with MGNREGA, IWMP, and the Irrigation and Fisheries Department, aimed at enhancing water recharge and increasing the water table. He emphasized the inclusion of projects within the “Dharti Aabha” initiative to improve educational infrastructure and road connectivity.
Javed Rana reassured that all villages in Rajouri have been integrated into tribal welfare schemes, ensuring extensive advantages for the tribal community.
MLAs from Rajouri, Budhal, Kalakote, and Thanamandi constituencies, along with DDC Chairperson Adv Naseem Liaquat, raised significant concerns relevant to their areas.
The Minister committed to promptly addressing their issues, reinforcing the government’s dedication to fulfilling public expectations and prioritizing the needs of elected representatives.
Attendees of the meeting included DDC Chairperson Adv Naseem Liaquat, MLA Budhal Javed Iqbal Choudhary, MLA Kalakote Thakur Randeer Singh, MLA Thanamandi Muzaffar Khan, MLA Rajouri Iftikhar Ahmed, ADDC Rajouri Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, and other district and sectoral officials.
