GANDERBAL, MAY 06: As part of the weekly Block Diwas, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore today conducted a public outreach programme-cum-grievance redressal camp at Block Wakura to strengthen grassroots engagement and ensure responsive governance.

The programme was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Manzoor Ahmad; Assistant Commissioner Revenue; Assistant Commissioner Development; district and sectoral officers; besides a large gathering of local residents, students and members of civil society.

During the camp, residents from Narain Bagh, Batpora, Shalahar, Dab, Batwina, Waskura and adjoining areas projected various demands and issues, including augmentation of drinking water supply, macadamization of roads and interior links, introduction of smart bus services, desilting of canals, upgradation of High School to Girls Higher Secondary School, strengthening of PHC Wakura to CHC level, fencing of Karewa, and construction of a community hall, among other issues.

Officers of the concerned departments responded on the spot to several grievances and apprised the public of ongoing and proposed measures.

The programme also served as a medium to raise awareness on drug abuse and its consequences, with students presenting an awareness skit under the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan, highlighting the harmful effects of substance abuse and spreading a strong message on building a drug-free society.

Addressing the gathering, the DC underscored the need for collective efforts to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse, which poses a serious threat to the youth. He called upon the participants to act as ambassadors of change and carry forward the message of the campaign in their homes and communities. He emphasized that sustained awareness and active public participation are essential to eradicate the menace from its roots.

On the developmental front, the DC assured the public that their genuine concerns would be addressed in a phased and systematic manner. He informed that several developmental works, including road macadamization, are planned for the current year and are being executed with a focus on timely completion.

The DC assured that all possible efforts would be made to address key issues, particularly in view of the upcoming festival of Muharram.