KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas, presided over a Block Diwas program at MS Dadwara, Block Billawar, where public representatives projected grievances and community concerns.
The weekly Block Diwas drew participation from former PRIs, social activists, and local residents who raised issues such as the need for upgrading GMS Dadwara, unscheduled power cuts, staff shortages in the Jal Shakti and PDD departments, inflated electricity bills, drinking water shortages, ration card separations, and the renovation and upgrade of PMGSY and PWD roads.
Other concerns included the issuance and renewal of gun licenses, the irrigation canal in Dadwara, and the construction of PMAY houses.
After giving patient hearing, the DC assured attendees that all genuine concerns would be addressed promptly, with active coordination from relevant departments. He instructed the XEN PWD Billawar to repair the damaged roads from Mandli to Khog, Phinter to Bhaddu, and Bagaan to Duggajn. He further directed DFO Billawar to address forest clearances and other bottlenecks. He also directed XEN PDD to devise a plan to reduce unscheduled power cuts and rectify inflated bills, while urging residents to install electric meters in their homes.
The DC informed the public that gun license renewals and new applications are now processed online. He also noted that the bifurcation of ration cards would commence following the upcoming census. He further directed XEN PMGSY to address infrastructure issues based on fund availability.
In response to reports of water shortages, the XEN PHE Civil and XEN PHE Mechanical explained that the supply from various stations is hampered by manpower shortages.
Regarding irregular water supply, DC asked concerned officers to find solutions and appealed to the community to support the department in maintaining regular water supply.
On the issue of Dadwara Irrigation Scheme, where pipes have already been laid, Dr. Minhas instructed the XEN Irrigation to explore options to resume supply. He also directed the BDO Billawar to collect representations from residents and enroll eligible individuals in the relevant portal once it reopens.
Among others, DDC Mandli, DDC Billawar, ADC Billawar, Chief Planning Officer, XEN PDD Kathua, XEN PWD Billawar, XEN PMGSY Billawar, CAO, CHAO, Tehsildar Billawar, BDO Billawar, and other district and sectoral officers.