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POONCH, APRIL 07:- Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of developmental works across Poonch district, reiterating Omar Abdullah-led Government’s focus on quality infrastructure, sustainable development and timely project execution.
At the outset, the Minister undertook a detailed sector-wise review covering key schemes and departments, including NABARD, MGNREGA, PMGSY, JPDCL, SASCI, Jal Shakti, as well as roads, bridges, tourism, forestry, horticulture and the Rural Development Department.
He emphasised that development must not only be rapid but also durable, environmentally sustainable and aligned with the needs of the people.
The meeting was attended by senior officers, including District Development Commissioner, Ashok Sharma, Director Horticulture Jammu Gul Sayed, Chief Engineer I&FC Jammu Manoj Gupta, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Jammu Hanief Choudhary, Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL Arshad Hussain Reshi and Chief Engineer (Projects) JPDCL Ravi Kant, along with other district and departmental officials.
Reviewing road infrastructure projects under PMGSY and NABARD, the Minister directed officials to identify and address bottlenecks impeding progress.
He stressed the incorporation of proper drainage systems, slope stabilisation measures, and other safeguards to ensure long-term durability and all-weather connectivity.
He underscored that infrastructure development in hilly regions like Poonch must be resilient and environmentally sensitive.
Highlighting social welfare priorities, the Minister called for intensified outreach efforts to ensure that labour welfare schemes reach beneficiaries in remote and underserved areas.
He also emphasised the importance of water conservation, urging departments to adopt a coordinated approach to protect and sustainably manage water resources.
The Minister also reviewed the functioning of the food grain distribution system and directed officials to enforce strict quality control measures.
He called for regular and surprise inspections to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in the public distribution system.
On employment generation, Rana stressed the need to make job fairs more result-oriented and impactful. He urged greater involvement of elected representatives in the implementation of Mission YUVA to expand its outreach and ensure meaningful engagement with the youth.
Reaffirming Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to balanced and inclusive development, the Minister instructed all departments to ensure time-bound completion of projects with tangible outcomes on the ground.
Earlier, the DDC Poonch presented a comprehensive overview of ongoing and proposed projects across sectors, including infrastructure, power development, tourism, health, education, mining and rural development.
The meeting also reviewed the physical and financial progress under various schemes, including the UT Capex Budget 2025–26.
Expressing concern over illegal mining, the Minister directed authorities to take strict action against violators and enforce regulatory measures rigorously.
He further instructed the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to organise awareness camps to educate farmers and the general public about government schemes and benefits.
Stressing efficient utilisation of resources, the Minister called upon officers to accelerate expenditure and ensure timely completion of projects.
A detailed assessment of PMGSY works, including the number of sanctioned and completed projects as well as expenditure status, was also conducted.
The Minister instructed officials to maintain focus on progress, enhance spending efficiency, and adhere to stipulated timelines to maximise public benefit.
He directed all departments to expedite pending works while upholding quality standards, transparency, and accountability in all developmental initiatives.
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