Krishan Lal on Tuesday chaired a Public Outreach Programme (Block Diwas) at Panchayat Ghar Dradhu in Bhaderwah and reviewed a wide range of public grievances and developmental demands raised by local residents and representatives.
The programme commenced with a rally and a joint pledge ceremony under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, administered by the District Development Commissioner. A large number of public representatives, including former Sarpanchs and PRI members, participated in the event.
During the interaction session, residents highlighted several issues concerning education, road connectivity, drinking water, electricity and healthcare facilities in the area.
Among the key demands raised were shortage of lecturers and absence of a Principal at GHSS Dradhu, requirement of electricity poles and wires in various panchayats, staff shortages under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and the need for improved bridge connectivity between Dradhu and Dranga.
The public also demanded construction of a steel bridge over Dradhu Nallah, passenger sheds, opening of a J&K Bank branch along with ATM facilities and better road infrastructure in the region.
Other issues highlighted included establishment of Animal and Sheep Husbandry Centres in Gutasa, shortage of staff in schools and Anganwadi Centres, upgradation of roads, installation of crash barriers, improved irrigation facilities and better sanitation of water tanks.
Responding to the demands, the DDC directed the concerned departments to take prompt action and assured the public that genuine grievances would be addressed in a transparent and time-bound manner.
He instructed the J&K Bank authorities to examine the feasibility of providing ATM and Khidmat Centre facilities in the area. The concerned departments were also directed to conduct surveys for installation of crash barriers and strengthening road safety measures.
The District Development Commissioner emphasized the importance of building a drug-free society and urged citizens to actively participate in the anti-drug campaign.
He said the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is a collective responsibility and informed that Panchayat-level committees have been constituted to strengthen awareness and monitoring at the grassroots level.
Several line departments also set up awareness stalls during the programme to educate the public about various welfare schemes and government services. Departments participating in the outreach included Agriculture, Industries and Commerce, KVIB, Handicrafts and Handloom, Mission YUVA, Social Welfare Department and J&K Bank.
Later, the DDC inspected the Khidmat Centre at Dradhu and also participated in a plantation drive organized by the Forest Department.
