Nazir Khan for enhanced coordination in Gurez for public welfare

Bandipora, Oct 28: Member of the Legislative Assembly for Gurez Constituency of Bandipora District, Nazir Ahmad Khan, on Monday called for coordination among public representatives and government officials for the betterment of public welfare. He stressed the importance of enhancing the public service delivery mechanism, considering that Gurez is a far-flung area requiring special attention.
Chairing a meeting at Dak Bungalow, Gurez, to review the developmental scenario of Gurez Subdivision, the MLA took a detailed, department-wise review of the developmental and infrastructural projects of Gurez subdivision.
For the year 2024-25, an allocation of Rs. 3770.51 lacs has been made for infrastructure improvement across various sectors, with Rs. 2368.67 lacs already released and an expenditure of Rs. 1407.96 lacs incurred so far. The meeting noted that 174 works under District/UT CAPEX have been initiated, with 101 projects already completed.
The discussion also highlighted ongoing initiatives under various funding sources, including District CAPEX, NABARD, JJM, and BADP, with 48 Public Health Engineering (PHE) works currently underway, amounting to an approved budget of Rs. 1903 lacs.
The MLA reviewed proposed works for the Gurez Block, including 32 PRI works, 4 BDC works, and 3 DDC works, as well as similar initiatives for Blocks Tulail and Bagtore. Additionally, the Ex. Engineer PMGSY reported that all 10 roads taken up for macadamization have been completed, with plans for 10 more roads in PMGSY Phase IV.
Khan also examined the status of the Health Sector, Education, Power Development Department (PDD), Roads and Buildings (R&B), Rural Development Department (RDD), Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, and other sectors. He discussed preparations for winter stocking and snow clearance operations, emphasizing the need for timely redressal of public issues. He instructed revenue officers to ensure services under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) are provided within the stipulated timeframe and urged action against contractors failing to meet deadlines.
In terms of power supply, Khan directed the PDD to maintain a buffer stock of at least 10 transformers for immediate replacement during the winter months. He also instructed the Mechanical Department to ensure adequate fuel storage in Tulail for snow clearance machinery.
The MLA highlighted the importance of relocating six offices—including the SDM Office, Tehsil Office, and Social Welfare Office—to the new Mini Secretariat Building to enhance public access to services.
Additionally, he advocated for the establishment of helicopter services for Purana Tulail and Gujraan during winter, recommending a ticket system to ensure fair access for all residents.
In reviewing the Health Sector, Khan called for improvements such as upgrading medical facilities, ensuring the functioning of the blood storage unit, and starting OPD services at Dawar.
The meeting was attended by ADDC Bandipora Mohammad Ashraf Bhatt, DDC Gurez Tasleema Begum, SDM Gurez Mukhtar Ahmad, along with district and sectoral officers from various departments.