Ministers Javed Rana and Javid Dar Review Developmental, Public Welfare Issues in Baramulla, Sopore and Rafiabad
SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, along with Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development, Javid Ahmed Dar, today held a comprehensive review meeting to assess developmental progress and address key public welfare concerns in the constituencies of Baramulla, Sopore, and Rafiabad.
The meeting was attended by MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, MLA Baramulla Javed Hassan Baig, District Development Commissioner Baramulla, Chief Engineers and senior officers from the Jal Shakti, Irrigation & Flood Control, and Forest Departments, besides other divisional and district-level officials.
During the review, Minister Javed Rana outlined a strategic roadmap for accelerated and inclusive development, emphasizing timely and efficient implementation of all ongoing and upcoming projects. He directed officers to operationalize all completed Water Supply Schemes without delay to ensure early delivery of benefits to the public.
Highlighting the importance of optimal resource utilization, the Minister instructed the Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti, to devise a plan for rational deployment of manpower and machinery to strengthen field execution. He further directed the augmentation of existing water supply schemes to improve their sustainability and service coverage.
Rana called for the submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for all proposed upgradation works on a priority basis, facilitating timely administrative approvals. Stressing strict adherence to quality control norms, he asked field officers to conduct regular inspections to ensure all works meet prescribed technical standards.
To address drinking water scarcity, the Minister approved the deployment of additional water tankers in identified deficit zones across Baramulla and Sopore. He also underscored the importance of water conservation practices to promote sustainable resource management amid changing climatic conditions.
Reiterating the Omar Abdullah-led government’s vision for environmentally responsible development, Rana directed the Forest Department to expedite forest clearances for pending infrastructure projects, ensuring that growth proceeds in harmony with ecological safeguards. He also instructed the department to ensure adequate firewood availability across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the winter season.
Underlining the government’s commitment to inclusive development and social justice, the Minister directed the timely release of scholarships to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, and reaffirmed efforts to ensure that tribal and forest-dwelling communities receive full access to welfare schemes aimed at improving their socio-economic well-being.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Javid Ahmad Dar shared several measures to strengthen water supply infrastructure, advocating for technological upgrades and improved management systems to enhance efficiency and reliability. He also highlighted certain operational bottlenecks that required immediate administrative intervention.
MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar raised constituency-specific issues, including the revival of the Nehri Zangeer canal, vital for supplying water to Sopore, Rafiabad, and Bandipora. He urged for strengthening of the piping network and comprehensive dredging of Sopore’s canal system to ensure uninterrupted water flow.
MLA Baramulla Javed Hassan Baig expressed concern over delays in the approval of PMGSY and R&B projects due to pending forest clearances, urging ministerial intervention to expedite approvals. He also called for canal dredging in Baramulla and adjoining areas and sought upgradation of outdated machinery to enhance operational efficiency.
Baig additionally stressed the need for focused tribal welfare initiatives, aimed at uplifting marginalized tribal communities and improving their socio-economic conditions.
