Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted an exhaustive public outreach camp at Barnoti in Kathua, to assess local issues besides taking stock of development scenario of the area.

The Minister had exclusive interactive sessions with the local populace which apprised him of their grievances and demands seeking speedy redress of the same.

Several delegations comprising industrialists, farmers, youth and community representatives called on the Minister and projected their issues and concerns. They highlighted various issues which inter alia included water supply, forest rights, tribal welfare, enhanced road connectivity, environment preservation and other vital matters concerning welfare of their respective areas.

The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Superintendent of Police and other senior officers from the district administration.

During the tour, the Minister also met people in Samba and Vijaypur and listened to their grievances and development issues.

The Minister instructed the concerned departments to address the grievances raised by the locals of Samba and Vijaypur on priority basis.

He assured the delegations of government’s commitment towards resolving their concerns in a time bound manner while emphasising inclusive and sustainable development.

"Our government under the leadership of Omar Abdullah is duty bound to resolve all the issues faced by the people. We are taking administration to people’s doorsteps to ensure rapid development of every nook and corner of the region," Rana said in his address to the people of Kathua.

Rana said that with the recently inaugurated 7 water supply schemes in Kathua, many issues related to water scarcity have been resolved.

"I assure the people that all other issues related to Jal Shakti or any other department will be resolved on priority. We will take every step to enhance the living standards of the locals," maintained the Minister.

He appreciated the district administration for its relentless efforts towards improving the living condition of the people. He said that all the departments should work in unison for further improvement of service delivery in the district.