POONCH, AUGUST 15: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today held an interactive session with the prominent intellectuals, former civil servants and members of civil society in Poonch today.
The session witnessed vibrant and insightful discussions on educational infrastructure, healthcare services and overall developmental gaps in the district.
Emphasis was laid on the urgent need for systemic reforms and administrative intervention to uplift the standard of living, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas.
Civil society representatives suggested a series of strategic interventions aimed at building a more empathetic, inclusive and morally responsible society, rooted in ethical values. They stressed the importance of community engagement, youth empowerment and value-based education to strengthen the district’s social fabric.
Importantly, the civil society members also urged the Minister to take effective steps for preservation and promotion of local culture, heritage and indigenous tribal languages, recognizing them as vital elements of the region’s identity and diversity. They further requested him for bringing tangible improvements in the sectors of health, education and infrastructure.
A key highlight of the interaction was the discussion around the untapped tourism potential of Poonch, with stakeholders strongly advocating for vigorous promotion of sustainable tourism. They underlined the strategic importance of completing critical infrastructure projects, especially the Mughal Road tunnel and the Loran-Tangmarg Road, which are vital to improving year-round connectivity with the Kashmir Valley.
Responding to the concerns, Javed Ahmed Rana assured the attendees of his full commitment towards the holistic development of Poonch. He emphasized that inclusive dialogue and active civic participation are essential for effective governance. He assured that the feedback and recommendations shared would be taken up at the highest level for appropriate action.
The Minister also reiterated the Omar Abdullah Government’s focus on equitable regional development, environmental sustainability, eco-tourism and tribal welfare. He highlighted several initiatives already underway to address some of the issues raised during the session.
