Despite hot weather, significant number of people attended darbar

PAMPORE: In a proactive move to address public concerns and grievances, the District Administration of Pulwama conducted a Block Divas outreach programme on Wednesday at the Block Development Office in Pampore, located in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Dr Basharat Qayoom, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, chaired the event, engaging directly with local residents to hear their issues and grievances. The initiative provided a vital platform for the community to voice concerns directly to the administration.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Awantipora Nazir Ahmad, Chief Planning Officer Pulwama, Tehsildar Pampore Malik Asif Ahmad, DIO Pulwama Wajeeza (JKAS), ZPEO, ZEO, BDO Pampore, AEE PHE, PDD, DFO Awantipora, DMO Pulwama, AEE PDD and others officials, besides Ex BDCs and Sarpanchs also present on the occasion. Despite the hot weather, a significant number of people including civil society members and delegations from different areas of Pampore Tehsil attended the day-long outreach darbar.
A range of pressing issues were raised during the programme, including challenges related to drinking water access, road maintenance, progress on PMGSY projects, availability of medicines in government health facilities, rural sanitation improvements, infrastructure enhancements for electricity supply, allocation of playgrounds, and other local demands.
Responding promptly, the DC instructed concerned officials to furnish detailed Action Taken Reports by the next day, specifying timelines and feasibility for addressing the raised issues. Immediate resolutions were provided for some matters on-site, while others were slated for follow-up action with relevant departments.
During interactions, valuable suggestions were received from participants regarding government proposals and interventions. Dr Basharat Qayoom emphasized active engagement with the Rural Development Department to ensure cleanliness and environmental sustainability in local panchayats. He directed officials to empower village sanitation committees through training and exposure visits.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, DC Pulwama said that the weekly Block Diwas is a government outreach programme. “Today, we came to Pampore, and a large huge number of people from different halqas attended the programme and presented their issues. My team was also present; they noted the issues, and officers have given commitments on the timeline for their resolution.”
Highlighting the government’s commitment to community support and sustainable development, the DC facilitated the distribution of approvals totalling Rs 30 lakh under various flagship programs managed by the animal husbandry department, benefiting local communities.
Additionally, demonstrations on the Jal Jeevan Mission underscored the administration’s holistic approach towards resolving water-related challenges and improving access to clean water for residents.
Speaking with Kashmir Reder, Choudhary Mohammad Yaseen Poswal, General Secretary of the Gujjar and Bakerwal Community, highlighted several pressing issues. He emphasized a longstanding concern regarding the incomplete 8 km road from Pastoona Tral to Wahab Sahab Shar Shalli, a critical route for travelers between Srinagar, Pastoona, and Aripal. Poswal noted the road’s scenic beauty, offering views of AIIMS from Wasturwun top, and urged Deputy Commissioner Dr. Basharat Qayoom to prioritize its completion. Another critical issue raised was the need to widen the Shar Shali Wahab Sahab road.
Poswal also voiced community grievances about rising electricity fees and the closure of stone quarries, which are vital livelihood sources. He urged the Deputy Commissioner to explore legal pathways for reopening these quarries and proposed policies to support youth who face challenges due to bank loan defaults.
Additionally, Poswal stressed the necessity of establishing a fruit mandi in Pampore and advocated for constructing a travel Bhawan and a Gujjar hostel in Galander, Pampore. These facilities, he argued, would enhance educational opportunities for local children and address daily community needs effectively.
Poswal highlighted the delayed development of tourist-designated areas like Samboora, Shar Shalli, and Wahab Sahab, urging expedited action from the Deputy Commissioner to create employment opportunities for the region’s youth.

BILAL HABIB