Gurez, Oct 13 (KNS):– In a significant outreach effort, Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramulla, Er Rashid, visited several areas in the remote Gurez Valley, including Tragbal, Bagtur, Khuori, Kanjlan, Dawar and Budogam. The tour aimed to address pressing issues faced by the local population and review ongoing development projects in the region.
Beginning his tour in Tragbal, Er Rashid conducted a series of meetings with local communities and officials to discuss the challenges faced by the region. One of the key concerns raised was the use of substandard materials in the construction of electric poles, leading to frequent collapses during strong winds. The MP assured locals that he would take this issue to the relevant authorities to ensure the installation of durable infrastructure.
Healthcare needs in Gurez were also at the forefront of discussions. During his visit to NTPHC Dawar, Er Rashid sanctioned ?30 lakh to make the Gynecology Ward functional and provide necessary equipment, including a blood bank, USG machine, and X-ray facilities. This move is expected to greatly improve healthcare services in the region, which has long struggled with inadequate medical infrastructure.
Er Rashid also chaired a key review meeting with officials from various departments at Dawar Dak Bungalow, where SDM Mukhtar Ahmad Ahanger, along with officers from the R&B, Health, Education and Power Development Department (PDD), among others, were present. The meeting focused on assessing ongoing developmental projects and addressing the concerns raised by local residents. The MP stressed the need for interdepartmental coordination to ensure the timely completion of projects that are crucial for the welfare of the people in this remote area.
Residents raised the issue of staff shortages in schools and healthcare centers, particularly the need for lab technicians, dental staff and X-ray technicians at NTPHC Bagtur. The MP promised to address these shortages, underscoring his commitment to improving healthcare across his constituency.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Long-standing administrative issues were also highlighted, with locals expressing concerns over the lack of transfers for some officials who have remained in their positions for extended periods. Er Rashid assured locals that he would pursue the necessary administrative reforms.
The visit also shed light on other pressing concerns in Gurez, including land ownership issues for refugees, unfulfilled promises of land allocations, and difficulties in obtaining Line of Actual Control (LAC) certificates. Locals reiterated their demand for a tunnel to improve connectivity between Gurez and the rest of the valley, a long-pending project critical for the region's development.
Employment opportunities and electricity shortages were key topics of discussion, along with the renovation of the ration store in Gagtore Gurez and the need for flood management and rehabilitation efforts in Kanzalwan village.
Er Rashid also emphasized the importance of improving road connectivity, particularly focusing on the Budugam Chakwali road to Ladakh, which locals see as essential for improving access and economic opportunities.
Additionally, the MP addressed grievances about pending compensation for 29 Kanals of land in Habakhatoon, where only 16% of the payment has been transferred to the SDM account but has yet to be released to the farmers. The loss of livestock due to the installation of horny fencing within villages was also raised, with residents requesting that the fencing be moved to the Line of Control (LOC) to prevent further harm.
The review meeting also brought attention to the need for the deputation of NDRF teams, the installation of a 2:50 KV transformer at Uchuraa and a Fire Service mobile van for Barnai Tulail. Residents further requested an increase in ration supplies and the improvement of mobile connectivity in remote areas.(KNS)