BARAMULLA, NOVEMBER 12: Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Baramulla, Nissar Ahmad, Thursday presided over a Block Diwas programme at Wagoora, providing an opportunity to local residents to highlight their grievances, demands and developmental issues before the administration.
Speaking on the occasion, the CPO, as per an official statement, highlighted the objective of organising Block Diwas programmes, stating that these initiatives provide a direct platform for people to bring their grievances and developmental concerns to the notice of the administration. He emphasised that such programmes aim to strengthen public outreach, ensure effective coordination among departments and facilitate timely redressal of public grievances at the grassroots level.
He assured the participants that all demands and grievances raised during the programme would be compiled and placed before the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla for consideration and necessary redressal. He reiterated that all genuine issues would be pursued on priority for resolution in a time-bound manner.
During the programme, residents raised a range of issues pertaining to road connectivity, education infrastructure, healthcare facilities, drinking water, horticulture, sanitation and other essential public services.
People highlighted the need for repairs and upgradation of several main roads and inner link roads in the area. They also raised concerns regarding the availability and quality of safe drinking water. Taking cognizance of the issue, the CPO directed the concerned departments to ensure proper testing of drinking water sources and take necessary measures to ensure the supply of safe and potable drinking water.
Residents also expressed concern over the non-availability of adequate street lighting following the installation of smart meters. The CPO assured that the Rural Development Department (RDD) would take necessary steps to ensure the installation of solar street lights in the area.
On horticulture-related issues, residents urged the administration to ensure pre-season field visits by horticulture experts to provide farmers with timely technical guidance and advice on improved practices. They stressed that such visits would help farmers address field-level concerns and enhance productivity.
Issues concerning education infrastructure were also highlighted, with residents seeking improvement and upgradation of existing facilities to provide students with a better learning environment. They also raised concerns over the shortage of staff at local healthcare facilities and called for adequate deployment of medical and paramedical personnel.
Residents further raised demands regarding the construction of compost pits and other sanitation-related works under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). Taking cognizance of the demand, Assistant Commissioner Development Baramulla, Mudasir Hussain Chaudhary, directed the concerned Block Development Officer (BDO) to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR), assuring that the proposal would be taken up for immediate approval.
The issue of pending payments and liabilities against various works executed under MGNREGA and other government schemes was also raised. Responding to the concerns, the ACD assured that the matter would be examined and necessary steps taken to address the pending liabilities as per the prescribed procedures.
Residents also highlighted issues related to the issuance and renewal of labour cards and delays in scholarship disbursement to eligible students, urging the concerned departments to facilitate timely processing and delivery of benefits.
The demand for a playground in Wagoora was also raised, while residents sought the installation of floodlights at another existing playground to facilitate sports and recreational activities during evening hours.
Furthermore, residents highlighted difficulties in obtaining essential construction materials, stating that their non-availability was affecting the progress of various construction works.
The CPO gave a patient hearing to the public and reiterated that all genuine grievances and developmental demands would be brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla for appropriate consideration and time-bound redressal.
