Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 13: MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania chaired a review meeting with district and sector-level officers to assess the progress of developmental projects and infrastructure schemes in Udhampur.
The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer Mohammad Iqbal; Executive Engineer Mechanical, Ajay Sharma; Superintendent Engineer PDD, Sunil Kumar, officers from PHE (Civil & Mechanical), Ashwani Hans (ACP Udhampur), officers from the Ground Water Division, and others.
During the meeting, Pathania emphasized a ‘people-first’ approach in planning and implementation. “The focus should be on community-specific programs with priority to marginalized sections. The goal must be the greatest good of the greatest number,” he stated.
He instructed PHE Department to immediately operationalize all Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) projects, expedite pending works, and cover villages that have been left out. He also asked the Ground Water Department to repair all non-functional handpumps in view of the rising mercury levels and growing water demands.
Stressing on long-term solutions, he instructed administration to focus on bulk water supply schemes that could simultaneously serve 15-20 villages, using reliable natural sources. He also called on the PDD to ensure operational feeders to support JJM projects and proposed forming local Jal Shakti Committees for effective implementation and community monitoring.
Additionally, Pathania urged the Public Works Department to complete all long-pending projects without delay, maintaining quality and time-bound execution. He also appealed for Udhampur’s inclusion under the RD & SS (Scheme) under PDD to comprehensively address the area’s drinking water needs.
Following this official review, Pathania visited Kashirah village to assess the situation and interact with local residents in the aftermath of the recent drone attack at Udhampur Railway Station, which has left the community shaken.
Addressing the gathering, he expressed solidarity with the people and condemned the act as a cowardly attempt to destabilize peace. “This is not just an attack on Udhampur; it is an attack on Bharat itself. Any assault on the life and limb of our people will be treated as an act of war,” he declared.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
