Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 22: Sajad Gani Lone, former Minister and MLA Handwara, met Governor Satya Pal Malik at Raj Bhavan today.
Lone discussed with Governor, the successful conduct of Urban Local body elections, and said that it would improve the delivery of services to the general populace, besides, adding transparency and accountability in the system.
Lone apprised the Governor about the status of public welfare activities and initiatives being taken up in his constituency. He also discussed with Governor certain impediments which were delaying the implementation of several important development schemes in Kupwara district, besides, briefing him about the general grievances of the people.
Governor assured due consideration of the issues referred to by Lone and urged him to continue his endeavours for promoting a peaceful environment and work zealously for advancing the interests of the people.
Raja Manzoor Ahmad Khan, Member Legislative Assembly-Karnah also called on Governor and apprised him about the various ongoing projects in his constituency, relating to health, education, power, sportsand infrastructure, which require immediate attention of the administration.
The Governor urged Manzoor to continue sustained efforts for promoting the development and the welfare of the people of his area besides, assuring that all his concerns will be taken up for resolution in an expeditious manner.
MLC Dr Shehnaz Ganai, who also called on Governor, apprised him about the pressing concerns of the people from Poonch district, especially the hardships faced by the border dwellers and requested the Governor for his support and intervention for their time bound redressal.
Among others the issues put forth during the meeting related to health, education, road connectivity, access to drinking water and establishment of sports infrastructure in Poonch.
Governor assured Dr. Ganai that all the issues raised during the meeting will be taken up for early resolution.
Meanwhile, Prof Nazeer Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, met Governor and apprised him about the overall growth witnessed by the University in recent years, besides various other expansion projects underway in the University.
Besides, matters relating to University lands lying with the security forces, need for additional lands to establish apple nursery and KVKs, allocation of financial resources, re-organisation of available staff strength, filling up of vacant posts of scientific staff and implementation of academic reforms were also discussed.
The three-member Expert Committee on Dal comprising of Dr Nivedita P Haran, IAS (Retired), former Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Govt. of Kerala; Mangu Singh, MD Delhi Metro Rail Corp. and M. C. Mehta, renowned Environmentalist, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir met Governor.
The Committee apprised the Governor about the activities undertaken to study the factors detrimental to the overall health of Dal Lake which includes illegal encroachment, untreated discharge of sewage from hotels and houseboats and uncontrolled growth of weeds.
The Committee informed the Governor that they are taking an all-encompassing view of the condition of Dal Lake as well as other associated water bodies and will be initiating discussions with all stakeholders including taking views of the general public and Dal dwellers. They also shared their initial views and opinions. on ways for undertaking the mammoth task of cleaning and conservation of the Dal Lake.
The Governor impressing upon the Committee the urgency and importance of this task, asked them to ascertain all measures required to be undertaken for its restoration, maintenance and preservation including securing the banks of the Dal Lake; re-settlement, relocation and rehabilitation of persons residing or carrying on business on its banks or in the Dal Lake.
The Governor further advised the Committee that a proper framework may be evolved with set timelines for taking up each task under the framework besides assuring that his administration shall extend full support to the Committee in the execution of its task.
Dr Aziz Hajini, Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), also met Governor and apprised him about the recent initiatives taken by the Academy for facilitating preservation and promotion of State’s traditional folk arts and ensuring survival of cultural heritage including languages etc.
He said that efforts are underway to ensure that the mandate of Academy is fulfilled in letter and spirit. He further informed the Governor of the steps taken for promoting talented youth, refining their skills and providing them a platform to showcase their talents.
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