Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today visited several places in Bhatindi to assess the development needs of the locals.

He was accompanied by MLA Vikram Randhawa besides officers from Jal Shakti and Forest, Ecology & Environment departments.

During his visit to the area, Javed Rana interacted with the locals and listened to their issues and concerns.

While speaking with the locals, the Minister said that tremendous development and welfare of people of J&K is prime concern and the only priority for the Omar Abdullah led government.

"Safeguarding people's interest is the main motto of our government and we are duty bound for their welfare," maintained the Minister. He said that the purpose of his visit was to assess the ground level development status of the area so that the planning is done accordingly.

Locals raised several issues including regular water supply, upgradation of roads in their locality, improvement in sanitation facilities besides other matters.

Responding to public grievances, the Minister instructed the concerned officers to address issues related to water supply, road improvements, rural infrastructure and other key public concerns.

He issued necessary instructions to the officers of Jal Shakti department to take immediate steps to resolve the water problems of the locals. He said that people should be provided regular and quality water supply and necessary directions be passed to the field staff.

He said that focus of the departments should be on upgradation of public facilities and assured that there will be significant improvement in the overall development scenario in coming times.

Later, Javed Rana also inspected the restoration process of tube well in Karyani Talab that has come to life after more than a decade. He said that proper procedure should be followed in cleaning and removing debris from the well.