Block Diwas: Public Grievance and Redressal Camp held at Basohli

Efforts afoot to make Basohli top tourist destination: DDC Chairperson Mahan Singh

DC Kathua seeks people’s cooperation to achieve timely execution of development projects

KATHUA, JULY 12: To listen to the grievances of the people at their doorsteps, the Block Diwas Public Grievance and Redressal Camp was held at Multi Purpose hall of Jawahar Navodya Vidyalaya here at Basohli.

Chairman DDC Kathua Col (Rtd) Mahan Singh, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rakesh Minhas jointly presided over the camp where PRIs and district and sectoral officers were also present.

During the camp, issues ranging from shortage of staff in educational and health institutions, repair of handpumps, early completion of sports stadium in Basohli, scarcity of drinking water, replacing of worn out electricity wires and poles etc were chiefly highlighted by the  public and PRIs.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman DDC Kathua said Basohli has seen tremendous development since the abrogation of article 370, as it has paved the way for all round development of Jammu and Kashmir and Basohli has also benefited immensely. He said new projects such as laying of road web in Kandi and hilly areas of Basohli, Billawar and Bani have been ensured under PMGSY, NABARD and CAPEX wherein PRIs are being taken on board to prioritize the work purely as per the aspirations of the people.

Mahan Singh informed the gathering that an array of steps have been taken to project Basohli as a major tourist destination. He said the people associated with the art of Basohli paintings and Pashmina Work are being given adequate handholding to make these world class products. He said after the successful inclusion of Basohli paintings as GI Tag product, efforts are being made to also register Pashmina for its exclusive GI tagging as this will help in preserving the legacy as well strengthen the economic condition of artisans to a great extent.

After giving a patient hearing to the issues and demands of the people, the DC directed concerned officers to redress the same in a time bound manner.

Referring to the key projects coming up in Basohli, the DC informed that work on the state of art Water Sports Complex is nearing completion. “The facility when completed will create multiple avenues of employment to local youth,” he said and added that steps are being taken up to create a robust mechanism for the safety and security of tourists visiting Purthu tourist point.

On the issue of shortage of drinking water supply, the DC assured that the repair of hand pumps will be started on priority, while further stating that district administration would assure speedy execution of all the ongoing JJM schemes to improve the availability of potable water in all water deficient pockets of the district.  

Regarding the issue of shortage of staff in education and health institutions, the DC informed that necessary directions have been issued to CEO and CMO Kathua for filling the vacant posts through rationalization of staff for smooth functioning of the institutions.

The DC directed ADC Kathua to submit the report on delay in   construction of Sports stadium so that all bottlenecks can be removed by the intervention of the concerned authorities at appropriate level.

While discussing the issue of non availability of mobile/ internet connectivity in some parts of Basohli sub division, the DC assured that the matter will be taken up with concerned authorities for an early solution.   

Regarding the opening of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Basohli, the DC said the matter will be projected at the opposite level and every effort will be made to achieve headway in setting up the educational institution.

The DC sought public participation and cooperation in timely execution of the development projects which he said, “Will give necessary thrust on transforming Basohli as a Tourism centric Economy which ultimately will help in attracting tourists round the year”.

Earlier, the DC Kathua along with DDC Chairman took part in Van Mahotsava organized by Forest Division Basohli by planting saplings of Chinar and Banyan trees.

The DC also inspected the Water Sports Complex and Handicraft and Handloom Centre buildings in Basohli- the work of which is going on in full swing. He also inspected Purthu tourist point where he was briefed by ADC Basohli about the present security scenario besides the amenities available for the tourists.