Kishtwar: Commissioner Secretary Tourism, YashaMudgal, on Saturday chaired a mega public darbar at Drabshalla block, Kishtwar.
Addressing the concerns of the community, Commissioner engaged with the public, while assessing progress on developmental initiatives within the tourism sector and beneficiary-oriented schemes under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr DevanshYadav, DDC member Drabshalla A, Ashok Kumar, DPO, Sunil Bhutyal, AD FSC & CA Executive Engineer PHE, CDPO Drabshalla, CAHO, DSHO, CAO Kishtwar, CHO, TehsildarDrabshalla, BDO Drabshalla, TSWO Kishtwar besides officials of KDA and tourism and locals.
Scores of locals from adjoining areas thronged the public darbar wherein representatives including DDC members raised their issues and demands, ranging from infrastructure and tourist facilities at BimalNaag to pending road compensations and development of trekking routes. Other highlighted concerns included establishment of cricket stadium at Drabshalla, employment in Ratle HEP, speedy construction of roads like Kuntwara and Kalchanda to BimalNaag, uninterrupted electricity supply, enhanced bus services for school children, and completion of building projects such as HSS Chhirod.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner Secretary underscored the paramount importance of holding these public darbars, stating that its primary objective is to ensure that every individual reaps the benefits of welfare and developmental schemes. She urged upon the public to actively engage with the district administration to elevate the development profile of the district.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of NashaMukt youth in building a thriving society, Commissioner Secretary called for a joint efforts by the District Administration and the community to intensify the NashaMukt campaign on a mission mode to combat drug addiction.
Assuring a prompt resolution of issues, YashaMudgal stated that concerns raised during the public darbar would be examined and addressed expeditiously.
Commissioner Secretary shared a comprehensive tourism plan for J&K , focusing on holistic development from infrastructure to guide training.
Proposing development of BimalNaag as a spiritual tourism circuit connected to the Machail area, she encouraged exploration of untapped tourist areas to promote adventure tourism. She stressed the need for challenge-based tourism destination development and assured facilitation of events like the Winter carnival and other tourism festivals.
Discussing the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Yasha Mudgal informed that about 110 schemes offering heavily subsidized credit-linked options for farmers are being implemented. She directed the district administration to intensify awareness camps and encourage farmers to leverage HADP schemes for hi-tech farming and allied sector practices.
Commissioner Secretary underscored the importance of a multidimensional approach, urging collaboration between the district administration and Women Self Help Groups to enhance the impact of developmental initiatives under HADP.
During the event, the Deputy Commissioner provided insights into the tourism profile and outlined initiatives being taken up by the District Administration to boost tourist footfall. Highlighting the significance of tourism festivals and carnivals held at Sinthan, Devilgol, Paddar, Kishtwar, and Warwan, he showcased the collaborative efforts that resulted in Rafting and Mountaineering training courses for youth, aiming to bolster the tourism sector.
The Deputy Commissioner further shared positive updates, including transparent employment of 250 land losers in the Hydropower Project (HEPP) and the approved RR plan for the Ratle HEP, fostering infrastructure development in the region.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner Secretary inspected departmental stalls besides distributing Self-Help Group approval letters, sanction letters for various units, and nutriceutical inputs under the HADP scheme.
He also distributed wheelchairs and sticks among the Persons with Disabilities.
Lastly, success stories from NRLM SHG members were shared on the occasion.
