5 villages along Zero Line to be developed as model villages: DDC

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Jan 2: District administration today organized a series of public meetings in villages along International Border for formulation of development plans with public participation and redressal of public grievances apart from ensuring security and safety in wake of ceasefire violation.
District Development Commissioner Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary accompanied by Project Officer ICDS,  Assistant Commissioner Development, SDM Hiranagar, Chief Medical Officer, X-En PHE, X-En PWD, X-En PDD, X-En Mechanical, Exn REW, DSHO, CEO, Tehsildar Hiranagar and Commandant  of BSF Jitendra Kumar held camps at Maniari, Bobian, Londi and other villages to hear public grievances and also seek cooperation of public for development of model villages.
Border Area Development Plan works were discussed with public consultation and plan formulated for providing electricity, water supply and village roads in current year annual plan of BADP. The DDC instructed the officers for involvement of public in identifying developmental works in border villages. Rs 50 lakh are being provided by priority demands.
The DDC informed that 5 villages along Zero Line will be developed as model villages through inter-departmental convergence in current year for providing civic amenities like power supply, water supply, biogas, education, medical facilities, insurance, bank accounts, safe housing, sanitation, telecommunication, solar lights, nutrition, and other facilities making the villages self sufficient. This initiative is being taken as a part of “Mission Hifazat” launched by district administration for safety, security and development of border areas.
He informed that work has already been started for construction of compound walls for border schools and dispensaries and creation of power and water supply lines.
Interdepartmental teams in consultation with village committees and Panchayats will prioritize 22 villages under supervision of SDM Hiranagar and these villages will be developed as model villages with public participation, which is first of its kind initiative taken by administration through convergence and pooling of community resources.