PULWAMA, NOVEMBER 04: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, Wednesday chaired a Public Outreach-cum-Grievance Redressal Camp at Eidgah Shar, Block Pampore, to address public grievances and assess developmental requirements of the area.
Prior to the programme, the DDC, as per an official statement, inspected departmental stalls set up by various departments, including Agriculture, Forest, Industries, Food and Civil Supplies, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Revenue, Urban Local Bodies, Education, ICDS, Jal Shakti and Horticulture. He interacted with the officers and reviewed the schemes, services and public welfare initiatives being provided to the people. A plantation drive was also organised, during which the DDC planted saplings.
During the interaction, the Chairman Auqaf Committee, local representatives and residents projected various developmental and public service-related issues concerning Eidgah Shar and adjoining areas. They highlighted the area’s historical, religious and cultural significance and sought improved road connectivity, restoration of irrigation infrastructure, installation of borewells for saffron cultivation, restoration of traditional water springs and establishment of a saffron seed centre at Pampore.
Other demands included augmentation of healthcare facilities, availability of doctors and an ambulance, establishment of a Patwari Khana and veterinary centre, improvement of the local playground, construction of public conveniences at Eidgah Shar and better garbage collection and disposal facilities.
The representatives also raised concerns regarding human-wildlife conflict, particularly the intrusion of wild animals and monkeys into residential areas, crop damage caused by unattended horses, and damage to agricultural fields during the June 2026 hailstorm. They sought early disbursement of eligible compensation. The need to create employment opportunities for local youth in nearby industrial establishments and AIIMS Awantipora was also highlighted.
Responding to the grievances, the DDC sought detailed response from the concerned officers regarding the concerns and grievance to ensure on-spot redressal and assured the public that all issues would be taken up with the concerned departments for appropriate action. He acknowledged the historical and religious importance of Eidgah Shar and thanked the residents for their participation.
While directing the Public Works Department to address road-related issues, the DDC instructed officers to undertake immediate patchwork on damaged roads before snowfall and expedite macadamisation of internal and link roads.
Regarding human-wildlife conflict, the DDC directed the Forest Department to assess the affected areas and submit a comprehensive report proposing measures to prevent wild animals from entering residential localities.
On healthcare facilities, he directed the Chief Medical Officer to ensure the availability of doctors at the local health facility and instructed the Block Medical Officer to prepare and publicise a duty roster. The CMO was also directed to make necessary arrangements for an ambulance.
On the occasion, the DDC announced the launch of the district-level SSS Campaign – Skill Development, Self-Employment, Sports and Studies, with Eidgah Shar as its starting point in the District. He said the initiative would focus on four key areas, extending opportunities and institutional support to people across the district. “Under the campaign, individuals in the age group of 18–59 years would be facilitated in accessing skill development opportunities and pursuing lawful self-employment activities. Awareness and facilitation camps would also be organised to connect unemployed youth with government schemes, financial assistance and entrepreneurship opportunities”, he further added.
Regarding garbage management, the DDC directed the Assistant Commissioner Panchayat to address the shortage of garbage collection vehicles and instructed officers to identify suitable dumping sites away from water bodies, religious places and educational institutions.
Taking note of pending hailstorm compensation cases, he directed the Assistant Commissioner Revenue to convene a dedicated meeting to examine the cases and facilitate the release of eligible relief as per norms.
To promote local employment, the DDC said eligible unemployed youth would be encouraged to register under relevant employment facilitation initiatives, including the SSS Campaign, to facilitate their cases with nearby industries and AIIMS Awantipora. The Tourism Department was directed to facilitate registration of eligible homestay units and explore tourism-based livelihood opportunities, besides identifying suitable walking trails leading to religious shrines.
On land settlement and ownership-related grievances, the DDC directed the Revenue Department to organise special camps, particularly on Saturdays, to examine and resolve individual cases as per records and rules. The Tehsildar was also directed to examine saffron land classification through drone mapping and verify the actual status of land. Further, the concerned officers were asked to expedite NOCs for roads sanctioned under PMGSY and take up pending link-road works.
For restoration of irrigation facilities, the DDC directed the concerned department to immediately address the damaged Naydar stream diversion. The Tehsildar and BDO were asked to prepare a comprehensive plan for restoration and renovation of traditional water springs, while the concerned department was directed to assess the feasibility of borewells for saffron cultivation.
The BDO was instructed to take up construction of three separate washroom facilities at Eidgah Shar for men, women and specially-abled persons. Regarding the demand for a veterinary centre, the DDC directed the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments to organise veterinary camps twice a week and ensure the availability of veterinary doctors until a permanent facility is established.
The DDC also directed the concerned department to expedite approvals for installation of a mobile tower, assuring that any approval pending at the district level would be facilitated.
Emphasising accountability and follow-up, the DDC directed departments to maintain regular updates on grievances raised during the camp, clearly indicating those resolved, under process and pending for further action. He also assured that regular departmental camps and awareness programmes would be organised to facilitate public access to government services and welfare schemes.
Warning against illegal mining and extraction of soil, the DDC said strict action would be initiated against those found involved in such activities. He emphasised that saffron is integral to Pampore’s identity and heritage, and its protection is essential for preserving the region’s economic and cultural legacy.
The programme was attended by SSP Awantipora, Irshad Hussain Rather; Additional District Development Commissioner Pulwama, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat; Additional Deputy Commissioner Awantipora, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone; Chief Planning Officer, Aashiq Khanday; Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Pulwama, Shahbaz Ahmad Bodha; ACD; CEO; CMO; BMO; Tehsildars; BDOs; Superintending Engineers; Executive Engineers; and other district and sectoral officers.
