Leh: Member of Parliament Haji Hanifa Jan has assured residents of the Batalik region that every possible measure will be taken to resolve the issues raised during his visit. Emphasizing a commitment to urgency, accountability, and a long-term vision, the MP reaffirmed his dedication to the holistic development of Batalik and its surrounding villages.
Concluding the third and final day of his extensive constituency tour, MP Hanifa—accompanied by Executive Councillor Zakir Hussain, Councillor Silmo Feroz Ahmad Khan, Councillor Sodh Manzoor Hussain, and nominated Councillor Gurmeth Angchuk—visited several key villages including Batalik, Darchiks, Garkone, Gargardoo, Chulichan, Lalung, Silmo, Barchey, Apati, Yourbaltak, Tumail, and Chutumail.
At each stop, residents welcomed the delegation warmly and submitted written memoranda detailing local issues and development needs. Councillor Feroz Ahmad Khan highlighted the broader regional concerns, including border tourism promotion, homestay development, road infrastructure, the construction of an indoor stadium, and the need for a hospital and school upgrades.
In Darchiks and Gargardoo, residents demanded an Animal Husbandry Centre, staffing of the local middle school, improved road connectivity, and effective implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes.
During multiple public addresses, MP Hanifa thanked the people for their support and reiterated that his visit was not only to express gratitude but also to directly assess grassroots issues and accelerate development projects under central, UT, or council funding mechanisms.
He assured prompt action on pending BRO roadworks, resolution of teaching staff shortages, and prioritized action on all demands in a phased, transparent manner.
A particularly emotional moment came in Soth, where residents thanked MP Hanifa for raising the issue of water scarcity in Parliament for the first time. Acknowledging the recurring drought-like conditions, he announced the deployment of a dedicated survey team to assess the situation.
As part of a visionary approach, MP Hanifa proposed the creation of artificial glaciers, an innovative method already proving successful in similar Himalayan regions, to ensure year-round water availability. He said the plan would be explored thoroughly with expert consultation and agency support to provide sustainable relief for the area. In closing, the Member of Parliament reaffirmed his resolve to work in close coordination with councillors and local bodies to ensure that development reaches the last mile, with a focus on lasting, community-led solutions.
