Drass, September 26: Deputy Commissioner Drass, Imteeaz Kacho (JKAS), today conducted an extensive tour of Thasgam, Sumat, Jasgund, Dandal and Dandalthang villages to assess developmental requirements, interact directly with local residents and to take stock of issues concerning education, healthcare, drinking water, road connectivity, power supply, tourism, livelihood and other essential services.
The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by the Chief Medical Officer, Drass; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer; Drass; Hon’ble LAHDC Councillor, Bhimbat, Abdul Wahid; District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Drass; Tehsildar (HQ) and Naib Tehsildar (HQ) to Deputy Commissioner; Executive Engineers of R&B, PHE/I&FC; Block Development Officer, Bhimbat; Child Development Officer, Drass; Zonal Education Officer, Drass; Zonal Physical Education Officer, Drass; Tehsil Supply Officer, Bhimbat; Assistant Executive Engineer, PDD; Assistant Executive Engineer, I&FC and other concerned officials.
Visit to Thasgam
At Thasgam, the Deputy Commissioner received a warm welcome from the local residents. During an extensive public interaction, residents projected several demands, including upgradation of the High School to Higher Secondary level, school bus facility, establishment of a Kendriya Vidyalaya and hostel, Class 10th examination centre, improved healthcare facilities, road and footpath development, drinking water facilities, development of a cricket ground and operationalisation of the ice hockey ground.
Residents also raised demands concerning a Pashmina goat farm, need for filling vacant teaching posts, winter classrooms, improved sanitation facilities, floodlights, ATM facility, better food and civil supplies services, transformer requirements and other basic amenities.
The Deputy Commissioner listened to all issues, discussed them, directed the concerned officers present to examine the genuine demands and take appropriate action wherever feasible. He also stressed on cleanliness and proper waste management and urged residents to avoid the use of plastic and keep their surroundings clean. He encouraged the promotion of tourism, homestays, local markets, fish farming and other livelihood-generating activities. He also called upon the community to remain vigilant against drug abuse and cooperate with the administration in promoting a healthy and drug-free society.
Hon’ble Councillor Bhimbat also highlighted the need for upgrading educational facilities, bus services and other infrastructure and requested the administration to take up the demands of the people on priority.
The Block Development Officer sensitized residents about solid waste management and encouraged households to segregate dry and wet waste. The importance of public participation in Gram Sabhas was also highlighted.
Local traditional food stalls were also set up during the visit. Later on, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the ongoing construction works at the cricket stadium in Thasgam as well as the old ice hockey rink.
Visit to Sumat
At Sumat village, residents highlighted issues related to drinking water, road and land compensation, mobile network connectivity, tree and land compensation, shortage of teachers and other basic services.
The Deputy Commissioner held a detailed interaction with residents and sought information regarding Anganwadi Centres, power supply, education and healthcare facilities. Particular emphasis was laid on ensuring adequate healthcare facilities during the harsh winter months. The issue of relief in respect of damages caused by floods/rains was also brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner.. Further, he stressed the potential of heritage tourism in the area and encouraged residents to establish local tea and traditional food stalls to generate livelihood opportunities. He also visited the Middle School at Sumat, interacted with students and teachers and reviewed educational requirements and available facilities.
Visit to Jasgund
At Jasgund, residents projected several demands, including construction of a bridge, community hall/multipurpose facility, upgradation of educational institutions, healthcare infrastructure, internal link roads, water storage facilities and completion of pending Jal Jeevan Mission works. Issues concerning winter water supply and leakages were also highlighted. Residents further demanded additional teachers, a Headmaster, Mathematics teacher, Physical Education teacher, Medical Assistant, Anganwadi Centre building, Animal Husbandry Centre, playground, Panchayat Ghar and measures to address human-brown bear conflict, including installation of floodlights.
Highlighting the tourism potential of Jasgund, particularly its waterfalls and trekking locations, the Deputy Commissioner encouraged residents to explore homestays, local food stalls and other tourism-linked livelihood opportunities. He also emphasised the development of parks and playgrounds to provide recreational and sporting facilities for local youth.
Visit to Dandal
At Dandal, residents informed the Deputy Commissioner about the difficulties faced due to limited basic infrastructure and connectivity. They highlighted road-related issues, drinking water shortages, healthcare requirements and problems arising from avalanche-related damage.
Residents stated that infrastructure constraints had compelled some families to migrate to other villages. They sought improvement and widening of roads, bridge construction, regular water supply, medical facilities and other essential services.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to examine the requirements and prepare necessary proposals wherever required. Considering the agricultural potential of the area, he assured that the Agriculture Extension Officer and her team will be directed to visit the village for an assessment and to extend greater support to local farmers and promote suitable agricultural activities.
Demands for Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry facilities, medical assistance, dustbins and improved food supply were also raised. The Deputy Commissioner stressed the ban on plastic and encouraged cleanliness and responsible waste disposal. He further emphasized self-employment opportunities and livelihood support for deserving residents.
The residents expressed appreciation for the administration’s visit and for providing them an opportunity to raise their issues directly.
Visit to Dandalthang
During the visit to Dandalthang, residents highlighted drinking water as one of their major concerns. Issues related to Jal Jeevan Mission works, water supply, healthcare, establishment of a Medical Sub-Centre, link roads and school infrastructure were also brought into the notice of the administration.
The issue of human-brown bear conflict was also raised by residents of all lcoations visited. The Deputy Commissioner heard all grievances in detail and directed the concerned officers to examine the issues and take appropriate measures within their respective departmental mandates. He thanked the residents for their cooperation and appreciated the local traditional stalls set up during the visit. The local community also expressed gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner and accompanying officers for reaching the village and listening to their concerns.
During the tour, the Deputy Commissioner also inspected the new building construction of High School Chowkiyal and reviewed the progress of the work. Concluding the extensive tour, the Deputy Commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to responsive governance and inclusive development. He emphasised coordinated efforts among departments and active community participation to improve basic services, strengthen livelihood opportunities, promote tourism and address the developmental needs of remote villages across Drass.
