KULGAM, Nov 8 – Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo on Sunday distributed relief cheques worth Rs 10.54 lakh among 12 families affected by recent fire incidents in Bangiward and Watoo areas of Kulgam district.
The minister distributed the assistance during a public darbar at Tangmarg village, where she also reviewed public grievances, developmental demands and issues concerning basic amenities in the area.
Residents from Tangmarg and adjoining villages raised concerns relating to infrastructure, welfare schemes and public services. Itoo assured them that genuine grievances would be examined and addressed in a time-bound manner.
She said public darbars provided a platform for direct interaction between the government and residents, adding that departments had been asked to work together to improve service delivery.
Expressing solidarity with the fire-affected families, Itoo said the government would extend all possible assistance to those facing hardship. She directed the district administration to expedite rehabilitation measures and strengthen fire safety arrangements in vulnerable areas.
“The loss suffered by these families is deeply unfortunate. District administration must take preventive measures and strengthen fire safety preparedness to minimise the risk of such incidents in the future,” she said.
During the visit, Itoo also laid the foundation stone for a road connecting the Main Road to Naka Dole Mohalla in Tangmarg-B, at an estimated cost of Rs 114.82 lakh (Rs 1.14 crore).
The project will be executed by the Public Works Department’s Roads and Buildings Division, DH Pora. The minister directed the executing agency to ensure timely completion while maintaining prescribed quality standards.
She said improved road connectivity was essential for rural development and would facilitate access to essential services for residents.
Separately, during her visit to the DH Pora constituency, the minister announced an ambulance for the local health centre to strengthen emergency medical services.
She said timely access to ambulance services was critical for transporting patients and ensuring prompt medical assistance during emergencies.
Itoo reiterated the government’s commitment, under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to people-centric development and urged departments to maintain accountability and coordinate the implementation of welfare and infrastructure projects.
She was accompanied by the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department; Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B); Block Development Officer, DH Pora, and other officials.
