Anantnag | Sept, 9:A mega public outreach program cum grievance redressal camp was convened Wednesday by the District Development Commissioner (DDC), Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat at Verinag.
The programme provided a platform for local residents, Auqaf and civil society members, tribal community representatives, tourism stakeholders and members of the trade community to interact directly with the district administration and raise issues related to development and public welfare.
During the programme, participants projected several demands, including upgradation of Verinag Garden, improvement of the Verinag PHE water supply line, resolution of Hangipora water supply issues, installation of streetlights, construction of rain shelters at Verinag Garden, development of ZerayatThamankoot, and improvement of vehicle parking facilities at Verinag.
The participants also sought installation of functional waste-management machines at the Municipal Committee Offices in Dooru and Verinag and highlighted issues concerning tribal communities. Besides, demands were raised for better civic amenities, road connectivity, sanitation, electricity and healthcare facilities.
The District Development Commissioner gave a patient hearing to the issues and demands raised during the programme and directed the concerned officers to examine them and ensure prompt and time-bound redressal of genuine grievances. He assured the participants that their concerns would be given due consideration and necessary action would be taken as per feasibility and availability of resources. Issues and demands requiring intervention by higher authorities will be taken up with the concerned quarters so they are resolved in a time bound manner, he said.
Dr. Bilal emphasized the importance of regular public outreach programmes, stating that such interactions enable the administration to understand local requirements and improve the delivery of government services and welfare schemes through a citizen centric approach.
He called for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to improve basic amenities and tourism infrastructure at Verinag, with emphasis on sustainable development and better facilities for tourists as well as the local population.
He said such programs are being held especially in far flung areas to provide the locals an apt opportunity to participate in governance process at grassroots and curate the local development model as per their aspirations.
Taking immediate note of the pressing issues, the DDC asked the concerned departments to resolve concerns related to basic facilities like water supply, sanitation, road connectivity, parking spaces and waste management on priority with focus on quality redressal and citizen satisfaction. He directed the officers to maintain a strong field presence through regular visits to the villages and hamlets, interact with citizens and understand their difficulties at the ground level.
Calling attention of the participants to their civic duties regarding cleanliness and sanitation, the DDC advised them to actively contribute in enhancing the tidiness and preserving the scenic landscape of Verinag and it’ssorrounding areas.
CEO Verinag Development Authority, Addl Deputy Commissioner, Subdivisional Magistrate Dooru, Chief Planning Officer, Assistant Commissioner Development, General Manager District Industries Centre, Superintending Engineer PDD, Chief Horticulture Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, Tehsildar Dooru and officers from various departments, besides local representatives, civil society members, tourism stakeholders, trade union representatives and a large number of residents, participated in the programme.
