Shopian, Dec 22: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Shopian, Shabir Ahmad Kullay said his priorities for the constituency include improving healthcare facilities, harnessing tourism potential, and setting up advanced pesticide testing laboratories during his tenure.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, the independent MLA said the Shopian constituency faces issues with purified drinking water facilities, both in the town and adjoining areas. Kullay said he has taken up the matter and is hopeful that new reservoirs will enhance drinking water availability in the constituency, as the old schemes have not been very effective.
“Road widening in the town is another issue. The roads in the town are decades old, and traffic jams have become a norm. We will address road widening to ensure hassle-free travel for people,” he said.
Shabir said Shopian has a vast tourism potential, destinations like Mughal Road, Keller, Zampathri, Dubjan and other areas have much to offer to visitors. He said he would work to fully tap the tourism potential of these beautiful spots for the overall development of the constituency and district.
He said the electricity issues are prevalent everywhere, including in Shopian. “However, I am hopeful that with smart meters in place, people will use electricity judiciously, leading to a 24-hour power supply,” he said.
MLA Kullay added, “The horticulture sector is one of my top priorities. I aim to increase testing facilities for pesticides and set up more laboratories for testing them before use. Currently, pesticide testing takes a lot of time, and timely testing will enhance the quality of our horticulture produce.”
He further said the health sector needs significant improvement and that the district deserves more doctors and specialist doctors at its district hospital. “If patients are referred from Shopian hospital, it takes more than an hour to shift them to Srinagar or Anantnag. Having more facilities at the district hospital in Shopian will save lives and prevent inconvenience for the people of Shopian,” he added.
Shabir Kullay said he also believes Shopian needs a women’s college and a separate trauma hospital. “The district occasionally receives patients from Rajouri and, given its link via Mughal Road, a trauma hospital becomes vital for healthcare in the district,” he said.
