RK IMPACT: PDP Kangan candidate Syed Jamat Ali Shah responds 

In response to the Rising Kashmir story “Constituency Speaks: Kangan’s Push for Improved Power, Healthcare, & Education Services Intensifies” by Umar Raina, published on September 8, 2024, I would like to outline my commitment to addressing the key issues raised:
if voted to power, will end this ‘Resource curse syndrome’ once for all. Kangan, being the Supply source of Resourceful water for Mega and Mini Power Projects, would not end up being ‘Power Supply Deficient’. This shall change. There should be alternatives to make Electricity supply available 24*7 during winters. It may be fulfilling the peak hours demand by generating extra electricity from Gas Turbines or using High PV Power storage devices. If such apparatus and technology can be made available in Gandhinagar or in Western Ghats, why not in Kangan. J&KSPDC and other distribution related DISCOMS can have MOUs, if pursued that direction.
As far as the work of Upper Sind Power Canal is concerned, this should be my priority. I have spoken about this in my TV interviews many a times; The demands of restoration of power canal from the Sumbal Power House and the installation of fencing along the power canal from Rayil to Sumbal shall be looked into. This should have been done by the successive generations of Power Centres having roots in Kangan, be it ministerial berths in J&K Govt or persistent MLAship in the Assembly. If voted to power, this work will be taken on priority and whatever shall be possible, shall be done, taking people into confidence. I have been a great believer of ‘Bottom up Approach’ of planning. People are the planners and executive component of the State is meant to implement it.
It goes without saying that the persistent ‘power crisis’ due to historical injustices, shall be addressed. This ‘unequal development’ will be dispensed with. Let’s make Kangan-17, the model Assembly Constituency.
Sonamarg remained closed for 6 months. It didn’t get the importance it deserved compared to places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Let me take a call, that Sonamarg shall emerge has among the J&K’s best tourist destination. If voted to power, shall ensure an enhancement of ‘eco-friendly’ tourist infrastructure as this is also part of my party manifesto. The demands for ‘special parks’, maintenance of dedicated horse routes, eco-friendly public washrooms and toilets, and the track yard for parking will be met immediately. I shall ensure this happens on priority. I am surprised why despite of having the representation of Kangan in the erstwhile J&K Assembly and also ministerial berths in the cabinet, why Sonamarg is laggard and has been kept closed for six months of winter season. Evidence based Studies and statistical observations claim that Sonamarg has more potential as a tourist destination in winters than any other place. Sonamarg Development Authority should be manned with a Competent Special Secy rank officer with powers to act as decisive and take effective decisions.
Right to Health care is a fundamental right of every citizen and a degraded health facility is non-negotiable and unacceptable. This is the first and foremost vital consideration and the existing centres be upgraded like PHC Kullan, Trauma hospital in Gund, Sub District hospital in Kangan etc. This list is not exhaustive and merely illustrative. For me, Social security aspects like Health is the most prioritised matter and I will ensure that the proper and suitable health care infrastructure shall be provided to the entire Kangan Constituency, right from Waliwar to Gagangeer.
Similarly upgradation of Govt schools with proper maintenance of teacher:student ratio, making available play grounds and other sports facilities like mini Indoor stadiums etc be provided.
All the existing footbridges over Nallah Sind be renovated and new bridges be made. Sport playgrounds in large numbers shall be provided and developed.
This list is illustrative not exhaustive. I tried my best to respond to the news item published in the Rising Kashmir Paper. As and when I get a chance, I do speak to media and press and talk about my heart and mind to the people. This is besides what has been provided in my party manifesto.