KATHUA: As part of the public outreach effort of the District Administration, Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr. Rakesh Minhas on Wednesday presided over a Block Diwas program at Khokhyal in Nagri Block.
The event witnessed the participation of a large number of locals and officials, including DDC Nagri Sandeep Majotra, CPO, ACR, ACD, and other district and sectoral officers.
The local residents raised wide range of issues of public importance, emphasizing the need for the completion of the Check Dam in Khokhyal, the establishment of an Animal Husbandry Centre and an Agriculture Centre, the widening of the Changrah-Nagri Road, completion of water supply schemes, and addressing the growing concern of drug abuse in the area.
DDC Sandeep Majotra presented additional demands, seeking connectivity under the PMGSY scheme, canal channelization and the establishment of a separate ration depot in Khokhyal.
Dr. Rakesh Minhas assured the attendees that their concerns would be addressed promptly, directing the concerned departments to employ immediate interventions where feasible. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure in the Nagri Block, noting that mining-affected areas have been approved for development projects worth Rs. 41 lakh, including additional classrooms at GMS Pandori and NPS Majra. He also emphasized the administration’s commitment to taking up further development projects in the region.
Addressing specific demands, Dr. Minhas directed the District Animal Husbandry Officer to establish a functional Animal Husbandry Centre in Khokhyal with dedicated staff. He also informed the public that the process of setting up a Kisan Khidmat Centre is underway, with plans to inaugurate it within a month to provide seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural services. He encouraged farmers to adopt Nano Urea to maximize land yield.
Regarding the widening of the Changrah-Nagri Road, the Deputy Commissioner stated that the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been engaged, and the project will address frequent road accidents upon completion. On the matter of the Check Dam, Dr. Minhas instructed the XEN Irrigation to devise a viable solution by visiting the site and consulting all stakeholders to enhance the irrigation facilities in the area.
The Deputy Commissioner also addressed concerns about high power bills, advising farmers to consider solar motors, which come with substantial government subsidies, eliminating electricity costs.
Speaking on the important issue of Drug Menace in the areas of Nagri, the DC called upon all inhabitants especially women to come forward for sharing information of people indulged in dealing/ selling Drugs and other narcotics. He said Kathua Administration has taken the stance of zero tolerance against the perpetrators of Drug Menace, and strict punishment will be ensured for those involved in it.
Earlier, XEN PHE assured the community that six out of eleven ongoing water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) would be completed by December, significantly improving the water supply in Khokhyal and surrounding areas.
During the event, Dr. Minhas inspected various departmental stalls set up to inform the public about government schemes and programs. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the administration’s commitment to development and urged the community to take advantage of available resources for their welfare.