Minister Javed Ahmed Rana Holds Public Outreach in Rajouri; Pledges Rapid Development for Border and Tribal Areas

RAJOURI, APRIL 5 – In a significant move to bridge the gap between the administration and remote communities, the Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, conducted an extensive public outreach programme at Bassali in the Doongi block.

Addressing a large gathering of tribal residents living along the Line of Control (LoC), the Minister emphasized that the primary goal of his visit was to ensure equitable development and to bring governance directly to the most marginalized sections of society.

During the session, locals raised critical concerns regarding safety and infrastructure, specifically demanding the construction of additional border bunkers, the upgradation of Government Middle School Bassali, and immediate measures to resolve persistent water scarcity. Residents also highlighted how delayed forest clearances have historically stalled vital development projects within tribal-dominated forest zones.

The outreach highlighted a comprehensive list of community needs, ranging from the granting of Tehsil status to Doongi and the establishment of a girls’ hostel to the urgent requirement for emergency ambulance services and better JKSRTC bus connectivity.

Minister Rana listened to these grievances—which included erratic power supply and fragile road connectivity—and assured the public of time-bound redressal. He specifically directed officials from the Horticulture and Animal Husbandry departments to create customized development plans to leverage the region’s natural potential, aiming to boost local incomes while preserving traditional livelihoods.

Accompanied by MLA Rajouri Iftkhar Ahmed and MLA Thanamandi Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, the Minister reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the unique challenges of border populations, urging the community to actively participate in government welfare schemes to drive social and economic change.