Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal IAS, convened a mega Public Darbar on Saturday in the Drabshalla block of District Kishtwar. The event saw active engagement with the community, focusing on concerns regarding infrastructure, tourism development, and beneficiary-oriented schemes.
Over a hundred local residents and representatives from adjoining areas attended the Darbar. DDC members raised issues ranging from infrastructure and tourist facilities at Bimal Naag to pending road compensations and trekking route development. Concerns regarding the establishment of a cricket stadium, employment in the Ratle HEP, and road construction projects were also voiced. Additionally, the public sought improved electricity supply, enhanced bus services for school children, and the completion of the HSS Chhirod building project.
Mudgal emphasized the importance of the Darbar as a platform for addressing public concerns and ensuring equitable access to development benefits. She urged the public to actively engage with the district administration to accelerate the development of the district.
Mudgal acknowledged the crucial role of the Nasha Mukt campaign in tackling drug addiction among the youth and called for a collaborative effort between the administration and the community to intensify its implementation. She assured prompt resolution of raised issues through various levels – District, Secretariat, and Central – and highlighted the on-the-spot redressal of several concerns by concerned officials.
Mudgal shared insights into a comprehensive tourism plan for the Union Territory, focusing on holistic development from infrastructure upgrades to guide training. She proposed the development of Bimal Naag as a spiritual tourism circuit connected to the Machail area and encouraged exploring untapped areas for adventure tourism. Additionally, she emphasized the potential of challenge-based tourism and assured support for events like the Winter Carnival and other tourism festivals.
Mudgal informed the audience about the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) offering subsidized credit-linked options for farmers. She directed the district administration to intensify awareness campaigns and encourage farmers to leverage HADP schemes for hi-tech farming and allied sector practices. She also stressed the importance of collaboration between the administration and Women Self Help Groups to maximize the impact of HADP initiatives.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr Devansh Yadav IAS, provided insights into the district’s tourism profile and highlighted initiatives taken to boost tourist footfall. He mentioned tourism festivals and carnivals held in various locations and outlined the collaborative efforts that led to Rafting and Mountaineering training courses for youth.
Yadav shared positive updates on transparent employment of land losers in the Hydropower Project (HEPP) and the approved RR plan for the Ratle HEP, fostering infrastructure development in the region. He also announced the imminent tendering of the HSS Chhirod building and encouraged community involvement in environmental protection measures.
Updates on SRTC bus services, JJM schemes for tap water connections, and the recent establishment of a Red Cross Health Centre in Kuntwara addressed various community needs. Yadav assured the completion of road works to the Kuntwara area this year.
The Commissioner Secretary and other dignitaries inspected department stalls and culminated the event by distributing Self-Help Group approval letters, sanction letters for various units, and nutriceutical inputs under the HADP scheme. Additionally, the District Social Welfare Department provided wheelchairs and sticks to disabled individuals. Notably, success stories from NRLM SHG members were shared, adding a positive dimension to the occasion.
The Chenab Times News Desk