Javed Ahmed Rana Hosts Public Outreach in Mendhar; Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Governance

MENDHAR (POONCH) | JANUARY 16, 2026 — Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Environment, Ecology, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, conducted an extensive public outreach programme in Mendhar today to assess ground-level challenges and ensure people-centric governance.

During the interaction, the Minister engaged with local residents who highlighted critical grievances regarding drinking water schemes, road connectivity, health services, and essential public utilities. Reassuring the public that the Omar Abdullah-led government prioritizes accountability and responsiveness, the Minister issued immediate directives to departmental officers to expedite ongoing developmental works and adhere strictly to project timelines.

The outreach event also served as a platform for various delegations to present specific professional and regional demands. The All J&K Non-Gazetted Forest Officers Association submitted a memorandum seeking pay level revisions for Forest Guards and Foresters, along with risk allowances and technical category recognition due to the specialized nature of forest protection.

Additionally, delegations from Poonch and other areas urged the government to upgrade health infrastructure and promote sustainable, eco-friendly tourism to preserve local ecology and culture.To ensure the effective resolution of these issues, the Minister was briefed by senior officials, including Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Jammu Hanief Choudhary and SDM Mendhar Imran Kataria.

The Minister mandated close inter-departmental coordination and the submission of regular progress reports to ensure that public grievances are not only heard but addressed in a time-bound manner, ensuring development benefits reach the grassroots level.