Minister Reviews Restoration of Public Infrastructure in Landslide-Hit Areas
POONCH: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted an extensive tour of landslide-affected areas in the Surankote and Mendhar subdivisions of Poonch district.
The visit aimed to assess on-ground damage, oversee restoration efforts, and ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected communities. Accompanied by senior officials from the District Administration and engineers from line departments, the Minister inspected landslide-hit sites along the Surankote–Jharanwali–Mendhar Road, including Jarranwali Gali, Phambranarh, and Narh.
Rana also held a detailed review at major landslide sites in Surhoti and near Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Surankote, where public infrastructure and connectivity have been severely disrupted. He directed all concerned departments, including PWD, RDD, and Disaster Management authorities, to conduct immediate damage assessments and expedite the restoration of essential infrastructure.
Emphasizing a coordinated inter-departmental approach, the Minister stressed the need to ensure relief reaches every affected family without delay. “The Government stands firmly with the people in this hour of need,” he said, assuring support for affected families to help them recover and rebuild their lives.
Earlier, Rana visited Jogger Park near the Sher-e-Kashmir Bridge in Poonch town and instructed the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for upgrading and extending the jogging track up to the Police Lines. He also directed the installation of a synthetic surface to provide residents with a modern fitness facility along the scenic riverfront, promoting a healthier lifestyle for all age groups.
The Minister additionally visited Miran Public School in Janyar Dingla, engaging with students, teachers, and the school management. While interacting with the students, Rana highlighted the transformative power of education and its role in fostering a progressive and equitable society. “Education is the strongest tool for empowerment,” he said, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to providing quality education, particularly in remote and rural areas.
