KULGAM : Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan, today conducted an extensive tour of Kulgam to inspect various development works being executed in the district besides reviewing Independence Day preparations, flood protection and Power Development Department works.

Advisor inspected ongoing restoration work on Hernag at Pahaloo being executed by Rural Development Department under MGNREGA with an estimated cost of Rs. 19.95 lakh. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to link the project with Jal Shakti Department to utilize this water source under Jal Jeevan Mission.

Advisor inspected work on flood protection bund at Aadigantnoo and was informed that two thousand running feet bund has already been constructed with an estimated cost of Rs. 2.92 crore in convergence mode and the department has now undertaken the extension work of this flood protection project with a cost of Rs. 1 crore. He gave on spot instructions to RDD and Flood Control Department to identify critical spots along the banks of river Veshow which endanger the habitations during rains and floods so that necessary work is taken up there under convergence mode.

Later, Advisor convened a meeting with District Development Council Chairperson, Mohammad Afzal Parrey, Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Bilal Mohiudin Bhat, Director Rural Development, Tariq Ahmed Zargar, Senior Superintendent of Police Gurinderpaul Singh and other senior officers.

Deputy Commissioner highlighted achievements recorded under various sectors in the district through a Power Point Presentation.

While reviewing power scenario in the district, Advisor directed the concerned officers to ensure adequate power supply across the district. He directed to submit additional requirement for augmenting the power network in the district. He also asked for replacement of the damaged poles, wires and conductors besides putting in place all requisite arrangements keeping in view the approaching winter season.

Baseer Khan asked the officers for strict duty rosters in place besides conducting surprise inspections at local PDD installations to keep a check on power pilferage. He also directed them to expedite the work on branch cutting along all the line corridors.

Advisor asked the officers of all the departments to ensure prompt and immediate redressal of public grievances besides emphasizing the executing agencies to utilize the remaining working season to the optimum.

Regarding development of sports infrastructure, Advisor reiterated that sports fields and other related facilities are being developed in every panchayat. He asked the Deputy Commissioner to identify land for development of playfields in potential areas of the district.

Reviewing Covid mitigation efforts in the district, Advisor said that the covid is not over yet and there is dire need of strict adherence to the Covid Appropriate Behaviour to contain spread of this dreaded disease. He stressed collaborative efforts by all stakeholders to avoid the threat of third wave of Covid in the UT. He impressed upon the officers to further intensify vaccination drives in the district till everyone is vaccinated.

Advisor, while taking stock of disaster management preparedness in the district, directed the flood control department to identify critical and vulnerable spots over Veshow nallah which needs immediate attention to avert any damage to habitations during floods. He asked for devising a vibrant evacuation and transport plan for evacuation of people in case of any emergent situation during rains and floods. He said the local youth should be imparted training and the list of volunteers should be kept ready for the purpose of utilizing their services in case of any emergency. He said regular mock drills should also be conducted.

Advisor also reviewed preparations for Independence Day celebration in the district. He directed the Deputy Commissioner and other officers to ensure that all requisite arrangements for smooth and successful celebration of 75th day of Independence are put in place in time. He directed them to conduct cleanliness drives in the district with focus on “no use of plastic”.

Meanwhile, Advisor e-inaugurated Panchayat Ghar Hangalbush, playfield at Sherpora and District Incidence Response System (DIRS) web portal/Mobile application, “AALOW”.

Earlier, Advisor visited Covid Care Centre and took stock of facilities being extended to the patients there.

Advisor also interacted with DDC, BDC, PRI, ULB members who apprised him of several development issues and demands of their respective areas.

Several public delegations including Fruit Growers Association, Tribal Association, Transport Association, members of Auqaf Committee and traders also called on the Advisor and apprised him of their grievances and demands.

Advisor assured the delegations and others that all their issues will be looked into for an early redressal.