Baseer Khan conducts extensive tour of Sopore and adjoining areas of District Baramulla

BARAMULLA, AUGUST 23: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan accompanied by Additional District Development Commissioner Baramulla Aijaz Abdullah Saraf and other senior officers today toured Sopore area of Baramulla district and inspected several developmental works carried out by Rural Development Department, Power Development Department, Industries and the projects of Tourism sector. The inspection of works was aimed to get the first hand appraisal of these projects in terms of their progress, current status and on spot directions were given to expedite the pace of all the works at hand while maintaining the quality standards.

At the outset of his visit, the Advisor inspected Receiving Station Amargarh which is under augmentation process from 95 MVA to 127 MVA, wherein he was briefed by the concerned officers that the said project is being executed at the cost of Rs 6.25 crore. The Advisor directed to ramp up the pace of work so that it is completed by 30th of September. He directed the officers to strictly adhere to the timelines already stipulated. The Advisor directed the officers to augment the electricity supply in view of the approaching winter.

He issued on spot directions to replace rotten and damaged poles in a time bound manner. He further stressed upon the officers of PDD  to replace the wires, conductors wherever required immediately and have the branch cutting of trees done expeditiously on the electricity corridors as per the directions already given.

The Advisor also inspected various developmental works undertaken by the Rural Development department. The Advisor issued strict directions that emphasis should be laid on labour intensive works and the works that are properly reflected in the already prepared annual plans. He also directed to make timely payments of MGNREGA as it is related with the livelihood of rural labourers.

The Advisor later inaugurated the old bus stand Sopore that has been macadamized and renovated after the persistent demand of general public.

While addressing the officers, PRIs and members of civil society, the Advisor said that the war against COVID-19 is not over yet and cooperation from public is the key to stop the spread of Covid-19. He urged upon PRIs as elected representatives to come forward and spread the message about the Do’s and Don’ts related to COVID-19.

The Advisor exhorted upon the District Administration to remain vigilant and strictly enforce all mandated SOPs to avert looming threat of 3rd wave of covid-19. The Advisor said that the Union Territory of J&K is one of the top performers in containment of COVID-19. He said an effective network of health infrastructure has been put in place right from Panchayat level in form of Covid Care Centers besides having upgraded facilities at all levels across the Union Territory.

The Advisor interacted with several delegations which included DDCs, BDCs, ULB President and members, civil society members among other concerned stakeholders. These delegations apprised him about their grievances and demands pertaining to socio-economic developmental concerns.

A delegation led by President MC Sopore highlighted several issues and demands viz proper establishment and development of dumping sites, safeguarding of migrant properties/cremation grounds, construction of new bus adda, development of public parks and community halls, proper drainage system and raised other issues of vital public significance.

BDC Chairperson Sopore demanded macadamisation of roads, installation of mobile tower at Yamberzalwari etc.

Other prominent stakeholders also apprised the Advisor about their grievances and demands and sought their redressal in a time bound manner. The Advisor gave on spot directions to the district Administration to identify land for the Play fields and install high mast lights in the shadow areas. He further directed the administration to identify proper dumping place so that the issue of garbage dumping is resolved immediately. He asked the Director Urban Local Bodies to resolve the issue of garbage disposal expeditiously.

The Advisor gave a patient hearing to all the delegations and said that all the issues shall be taken with the concerned authorities for their timely redressal. He said that every possible initiative is being taken to streamline the public service delivery system besides terming hassle free public service delivery system as the priority concern for the government.