The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, at a meeting, reviewed availability of basic amenities and services to the people living in the habitations ahead of the fenced line along the LoC in border districts of Kashmir division.
Addressing the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner directed officers to ensure that border villages are provided all the basic facilities including roads, electricity, mobile connectivity and internet services besides educational institutions and health centres so that these areas are not left behind on the developmental front.
In a right context, the Divisional Commissioner maintained that border villages should not be treated as last habitations but “these are our first priority and are considered first villages.”
The Divisional Commissioner impressed the officers to conduct frequent field visits to these villages to address the developmental requirements so the residents of these areas do not face hardships.
To execute all the developmental works ahead of the fencing line, the Divisional Commissioner instructed HoDs to work in close synergy with the security agencies. The concerned authorities need to comply with the directions in letter and spirit.
Also, some roads going across high passes will be closed soon as winter leisurely reaches its zenith. While the winter is in its early phase and snowfall has not been heavier so far, some of these roads will get totally blocked for the winter, the duration of which is almost six months. Some places like Tanghdar and Gurez in Kupwara and Bandipora district respectively get totally isolated in winter. A courier service operated by the Indian Air Force at the request of the J&K Government remains a link. Even in the present era defined by technological breakthroughs, helicopter rescues are required and are sought through the concerned Deputy Commissioners to transport people in need especially sick.
Earlier Lieutenant Governor rightly directed the administration to be well prepared for winter season and ensure that the power and road infrastructure is well maintained and suitable for traffic at all times.
Measures of essential items and increased contingency plan for vulnerable areas should be implemented effectively by the district administration and the concerned departments. It is hoped that the administration will effectively ensure that enough stock is kept at the disposal of the
far-flung areas before snowfall cuts off them from respective district headquarters. The government has already directed for better manpower as far as the health sector in these areas are concerned and whatever needs to be done in terms of stocking up medicines etc should be done within reasonable haste.
