Rana reviews development works, restoration of essential services in snow hit Rajouri

RAJOURI : Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs and In-charge Minister for District Rajouri, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Thursday convened a review meeting with the district officers to assess restoration of essential services in snow-affected areas besides reviewing progress on road clearance operations across the district.
The Minister had a detailed assessment of the measures being undertaken to restore the water supply, electricity and road connectivity in areas impacted by the recent snowfall.
He emphasized the urgency of the situation, directing officers to intensify restoration measures and ensure no habitation is cut off or deprived of basic amenities. He instructed the district administration to deploy additional manpower, machinery and resources as needed, with minimizing public inconvenience as the top priority. He also stressed the importance of coordinated inter-departmental efforts to expedite the restoration work.
District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, briefed the Minister on the ongoing restoration activities, stating that teams from various departments are working round the clock to restore normalcy. He informed that the district administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential services. He added that clearance of tertiary and interior roads is being taken up on priority to improve the accessibility in remote areas.
The Minister also reviewed the progress of developmental activities being executed during the current financial year.
Expressing concern over some delays, the Minister directed for expediting pace of execution of all ongoing projects, ensuring timely completion. He stressed that no funds should lapse and regular field inspections, strict monitoring and adherence to timelines is ensured to achieve both physical and financial targets.
During the meeting, the Minister also issued specific direction to the District Development Commissioner to prepare a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Ans Canal as a multipurpose project, incorporating provisions for agriculture and irrigation use. He emphasized that the revised DPR should comprehensively address the irrigation requirements of the farming community and enhance the canal’s utility for sustainable agricultural development in the district.
The District Development Commissioner assured that all projects are under continuous monitoring and clear instructions have been issued to executing agencies to ensure timely completion of works.
Chief Conservator of Forests, Satpal Pukhru, informed the meeting that firewood is being supplied as per the requirements of snow-affected areas. He further assured that the Forest Department will initiate protection and mitigation measures once weather conditions improve, particularly in vulnerable forest zones.
The meeting was attended by senior district officers, including the Chief Conservator of Forests, Superintending Engineer Jal Shakti Rajouri Circle, DFO Rajouri, Ex-Engineer Jal Shakti and other concerned officials.
Pertinently, the In-charge Minister convened the meeting as part of the government’s public-centric governance approach, aimed at reviewing the prevailing situation on ground.