77th Republic Day: Javed Rana unfurls Tricolour at Poonch, highlights development milestones, salutes people’s resilience

Poonch : The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the Sports Stadium, Poonch, where Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana unfurled the National Flag.
The celebrations featured an impressive parade by 28 contingents, including personnel from JKP, JKAP, NCC, CRPF, the Police Band and students from various educational institutions. A vibrant cultural programme showcasing the rich traditions and talent of the region added colour and energy to the event.
Addressing the Republic Day parade the Minister emphasizing the importance of the Indian Constitution in empowering citizens to elect their government. He honored the bravery and resilience of the Poonch community during Operation Sindoor, highlighting their sacrifices as exceptional. The Minister specifically mentioned village Kalaban, which suffered a devastating landslide in September 2025, affecting 123 families and resulting in significant financial losses. He acknowledged the timely relief efforts by the Omar Abdullah-led government and district administration, noting that the Chief Minister has ordered the allocation of five marla land to each affected family. In terms of development, the Minister reported that over ₹67 crore has been approved for 2,762 projects related to water supply, electricity, health, roads, and public infrastructure in the current financial year. He noted the accelerated work on the Jammu–Poonch National Highway and the opening of the Kundi and Nowshera tunnels, which have improved travel in the region. Additionally, a ₹650 crore power project is underway, expected to generate 37 megawatts of electricity, alongside rapid progress on 40 new roads under PMGSY Phase-IV. Under the SASCI programme, eight projects worth ₹167.6 million are being executed by the Public Works Department. Two significant bridges at Sathra and Santi are under construction at a cost of ₹19 crore, funded by NABARD. The Jal Jeevan Mission is implementing 132 schemes worth ₹502 crore, with 18 completed and 14 nearing completion. Furthermore, 52 new water schemes have been approved under UT CAPEX, with an allocation of ₹478.8 million for the current financial year. The Minister also highlighted the construction of around 50,000 pucca houses in the district under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin). The event was attended by various dignitaries, including MLA Haveli Ajaz Ahmad Jan, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, and representatives from civil society and educational institutions. It concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, celebrating community contributions and reinforcing the spirit of unity and progress in Poonch.