KISHTWAR, MAY 20: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today chaired the weekly Public Outreach Programme (Block Diwas) at Draman Ground, Sounder, Block Dachhan, as part of the district administration’s continued efforts to strengthen grassroots governance, public outreach and ensure effective grievances redressal in remote areas of the district.
The Block Diwas programme, organised under the directions of the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, aims to bring governance to the doorstep of citizens and ensure transparent, accountable and efficient delivery of public services.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Dachhan and observed that some hymns of the Atharva Veda are believed to have been composed in the region, reflecting its rich and ancient civilisational heritage. He appreciated the active participation of the public in the outreach programme and assured that all genuine grievances and developmental demands projected during the programme would be addressed in a time-bound manner.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from former PRI members, other former public representatives, prominent citizens and residents from all 9 Panchayats of the block.
The Deputy Commissioner administered the ‘Nasha Mukt pledge to participants as part of the ongoing 100 Day Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan launched by the Lieutenant Governor on April 11, 2026. He urged citizens, especially youth and community leaders to actively support the campaign and contribute towards building a drug-free society.
Sharing details of the anti-drug initiative, the DC informed that an intensive district-wide campaign is underway to make Kishtwar drug-free through coordinated efforts of the administration, police, youth clubs, and community organizations.
SSP Naresh Singh emphasized the importance of community participation in curbing drug abuse and trafficking, while ADC Pawan Kotwal briefed the participants about the implementation of the Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of community participation in key government initiatives, particularly the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign. He urged people to collectively ensure cleanliness in their surroundings and work towards making their villages and panchayats drug-free.
Highlighting scientific waste management, the DC informed that sanitation workers would be deployed in panchayats for door-to-door collection and proper disposal of waste in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court. He sought full public cooperation in ensuring cleanliness and environmental hygiene.
Stressing environmental responsibility, the Deputy Commissioner set a target of making Block Dachhan completely plastic-free, calling upon all stakeholders to contribute actively through awareness, enforcement and community participation. He expressed confidence that Dachhan would emerge as a model block in sanitation and environmental conservation.
During the interaction session, locals projected several issues, including the dilapidated condition of the Ikhala–Dachhan road, delay in completion of Suid Bridge, drinking water scarcity in Prangus, Tunder and Bhatpora areas, operationalisation of the solar power plant at Kibber Nallah, road compensation cases, pending verification under the R&R Plan, restoration of irrigation kuhls, completion of Dak Bungalow Sounder and issues related to education, healthcare, power and road connectivity.
Responding to public concerns, the Deputy Commissioner assured that all developmental works would be expedited in a phased and time-bound manner. He directed the concerned departments and executing agencies to ensure timely completion of all pending infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, schools, footbridges, drainage systems, and other key projects.
Taking serious note of delays caused by contractors, the DC cautioned that strict action, including blacklisting and legal proceedings, would be initiated against those responsible for unnecessary delays in execution of public projects.
He also encouraged local youth and community members to participate in developmental works through cooperative efforts to ensure greater accountability and ownership.
The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed irrigation-related issues and directed the Jal Shakti Department Kishtwar to prioritise restoration of kuhls and include remaining works under the Capex Budget. He assured that issues requiring additional financial support would be taken up with the government for early resolution.
Officers from various departments responded to public queries and briefed citizens about key UT and centrally sponsored schemes, including Mission YUVA, HADP and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and other welfare initiatives. Awareness stalls were also set up to facilitate on-the-spot information dissemination.
The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to reaching remote and underserved areas through regular public outreach programmes and encouraged citizens to actively participate in such platforms for effective grievance redressal and inclusive development.
While responding to the grievance of the public regarding the stationing of SDM at Block Dachan, the Deputy Commissioner informed that the SDM will be stationed at Block Dachan for two days in a month for the smooth redressal of grievances and functioning of works.
A free health check-up camp was also organised by the Health Department during which free medicines were distributed among patients.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner inspected ongoing works on Suid Bridge, Ikhala Block boundary and the Kishtwar–Lopara Road, directing the Executive Engineer PMGSY Marwah to ensure quality execution and timely completion of the Suid Bridge work.
The programme was attended by SSP Naresh Singh, ADC Pawan Kotwal, PO ICDS Dr. Rishi Kumar Sharma, CEO KDA Kaiser Bhawani, CPO Akhil Thakur, ACD Manoj Kumar, ACP Neeraj Sharma, DSWO Tariq Parveaz Qazi, AD Handicrafts & Handloom Pardeep Shan, DFO Vishal Chaudhary, CAO Kushal Chandel, ExEn PMGSY Tilak Raj Rajwal, ExEn JPDCL Abdul Hamid, ExEn PWD R&B Mohd. Farooq, Tehsildar Dachan, DNO Ayush Dr. Vikram Singh Jamwal, CEO Sanjay Dogra, BMO Dr. Sajjad Hussain and other district and sectoral officers and staff from various departments.
