KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas today presided over a Block Diwas at Kamla Palace, Barnoti as part of a public outreach programme of the district administration.
BDC Chairman Barnoti, Brijeshwar Singh, Chief Planning Officer, ACD, Chief Agriculture Officer, District Mineral Officer, Chief Education Officer, DSWO, XEN Jal Shakti, BDO and other officers and officials of line departments were also present.
On the occasion, PRIs and local populace projected the issues of public importance and sought immediate redress of the same.
The major issues highlighted by the number of deputations including PRI representative was provision of protection walls alongside river ujh which caused devastation during recent incessant rain and flash floods.
People of peripheral areas also highlighted the problems viz scarcity of water, rejuvenation of Ponds, repair of handpump, provision of electric poles, pending MGNREGA payments, removal of encroachments etc.
While speaking on the occasion, the DC said the issues highlighted by PRIs and others will be addressed on priority. He further directed officers to submit action taken reports to headquarters. He assured full cooperation of the administration in resolution of all the highlighted issues.
Referring to the problem of drinking water scarcity highlighted by the inhabitants, the DC assured that the repair of over 100 defunct handpumps has already been taken up by the administration which will improve the drinking water scenario in the affected areas.
Earlier, ACD Kathua while addressing the locals assured that the department of Rural Development will take up rejuvenation of water bodies with the active participation of locals.
Chief Agriculture Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, XEN Jal Shakti and representatives of other departments briefed people about their ongoing flagship schemes and programmes.