Newly elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and retired justice Hasnain Masoodi has laid out a clear agenda aimed at restoring the past glory of the Pampore constituency. Speaking to the media at his Khrew residence, Masoodi outlined his vision to improve local infrastructure, healthcare, and administrative services while reviving the region’s economy and promoting tourism.
A top priority for Masoodi is the creation of new administrative units. He vowed to advocate for the deployment of a full-time Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in Pampore and to restore tehsil status to Khrew. “Khrew was given tehsil status, and having the tehsil headquarters there would benefit surrounding areas,” he emphasized, noting that residents of Khrew and adjoining areas were previously denied this facility.
Masoodi also announced plans to establish a mini-secretariat in Pampore to enhance accessibility to government services. “The establishment of a mini-secretariat is crucial for streamlining access to government offices in Pampore,” he stated.
On healthcare, Masoodi stressed the need for upgrading facilities, including the construction of a Community Health Centre (CHC) in Khrew, where pollution-related diseases have surged. He called for fully operationalizing the already constructed building for SDH Kakapora and addressing staff and equipment shortages across health institutions in the region. “The SDH Pampore, though named as a sub-district hospital, functions as a community health centre. It needs full staffing and better equipment,” he noted.
The MLA expressed concern over the ban on small stone quarries in Mandakpal, Ladhoo, Barsoo, Letpora, and Wuyan, advocating for their revival and the introduction of rehabilitation programs for affected workers. “I will strive for the restoration of these quarries,” he asserted.
Masoodi also highlighted the threat of flooding from the Jhelum River in Pampore town and promised to prioritize constructing a concrete embankment from Khankahbagh to Litterbal to mitigate future flood risks.
On the tourism front, Masoodi acknowledged Pampore’s significant potential for pilgrimage tourism, citing several historical and religious sites, including Ladhoo, Jeevan Sahab, Wahab Sahab, Jawalaji, and Kakapora. “I will focus on developing a Sufi Circuit, connecting these important locations,” he stated.
One of his dream projects is a road connecting Wahab Sahab with the Sallar area of Pahalgam via Pastuna in Tral, which would reduce the travel distance between Srinagar and Pahalgam by 30 kilometers. “A detailed project report for this road has already been prepared, and it will greatly enhance connectivity,” he explained.
Additionally, the MLA voiced concerns about the impact of cement pollution on agriculture in various areas of the Pampore constituency, pledging to address this pressing issue.