DDC Member Mohd Iqbal Malik Meets Lt Governor, Raises Key Developmental Issues of Rajouri’s Pir Panjal Belt

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

JAMMU FEBRUARY 03:-Senior BJP leader and District Development Council (DDC) Member from Darhal, Mohd Iqbal Malik, on February first met the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, at Lok Bhavan, Jammu, and strongly projected the long-pending developmental demands and public concerns of the Darhal, Thanamandi, and Manjakote areas of Rajouri district.

Acting as the voice of the grassroots, Malik highlighted a range of critical issues that have remained unattended for years and sought the Lt Governor’s urgent intervention to ensure equitable development in the Pir Panjal region.

Among the key demands raised were the upgradation of Sub-District Hospital Thanamandi to cater to the increasing healthcare needs of the population and the acute shortage of doctors at SDH Darhal and PHC Thanamandi, which has severely affected medical services in the region.

Emphasizing public safety, the DDC Member demanded the establishment of Fire Brigade Units at Darhal and Thanamandi, citing the hilly terrain and long distance from Rajouri headquarters that often delay emergency response, resulting in heavy losses.

To promote youth engagement and sports infrastructure, Malik sought the construction of a Cricket Stadium at Darhal, while in the education sector, he pressed for the establishment of a Government Degree College at Manjakote to spare students the hardship of travelling long distances for higher education. He also advocated for setting up a Kendriya Vidyalaya or an Eklavya Model Residential School at Darhal, particularly for students from border and tribal areas.

Highlighting the untapped tourism potential of the region, Malik proposed the development of Eco-Tourism Huts at Khodenar and Katemar in Darhal, noting that the area’s waterfalls, scenic landscapes, and biodiversity could generate employment and boost the local economy.

The DDC Member also called for the establishment of a National Law University in the Pir Panjal region, stressing the need for balanced regional development and access to advanced legal education.

Special emphasis was laid on the 7 Lakes–Shakarmarg Project, which Malik described as a potential “game changer” for tourism and economic growth in the Pir Panjal and Jammu region. He expressed concern over the slow progress of the project despite the sanctioning of a ₹200-crore ropeway and urged the administration to fast-track its execution.

During the meeting, Mohd Iqbal Malik formally invited the Lt Governor to visit Darhal, interact directly with the local population, and witness the natural beauty and tourism potential of Shakarmarg and adjoining areas.

The Lt Governor Manoj Sinha assured the DDC Member that all issues raised would be examined seriously and stated that he would personally take up the matters with the concerned departments to ensure time-bound and effective solutions for the welfare of the people.