DC Kishtwar convenes public outreach camp at Paddar; also flags off Watershed Yatra

Kishtwar : To address public grievances and foster development at grassroots, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar Rajesh Kumar Shavan on Tuesday convened a public outreach at Sub-Division Paddar. He also flagged off the Watershed Yatra and attended Bhumi Pujan and Sheela Nayas for the upcoming Watershed Project at Panchayat Affani.
The yatra, which started from Affani and concluded at Karthie, saw enthusiastic participation from students of different institutions. The DC formally inaugurated the initiative in the presence of DDC Member Paddar Hari Krishan Chowhan; SDM Dr. Amit Kumar and Project Officer IWMP, Phulail Singh.
At the outset, the project officer provided detailed insights into the status of IWMP Watershed Projects in Block Paddar.
Speaking at the outreach camp, the DC emphasized the promotion of millet cultivation in Paddar as part of sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, he launched month-long district-wide sports activities under Sansad Khel Spardha, aimed at promoting physical fitness and mental wellness among youth, while encouraging a drug-free lifestyle under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The DC further highlighted the novel initiative of saturating 80 plus government schemes in 13 Model Panchayat, empowering one panchayat in each block and then replicating the developmental model in rest panchayats along with the effective implementation of Nasha Mukt Panchayat initiative.
To enhance legal awareness, the DC highlighted the three new criminal laws under BNSS and informed the public about dedicated awareness programs being conducted by resource persons from the Police, Revenue, and Rural Development Departments.
He also encouraged people to project demands for community works under MGNREGA to boost local infrastructure, besides sharing insights on the 24×7 Control Room, already established at the district headquarters, ensuring round-the-clock grievance registration by the public.
Later, the Forest Department conducted a plantation drive as part of the district’s environmental initiatives.
The event witnessed the participation of the Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Office, local BDO and Dy SP, along with other officers, officials, and local residents.