Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 2: The Rural Development Department is launching state-wide “My Village, My World” campaign on August 4 to focus on planned development of rural areas, conservation of water bodies and ensuring polythene free environs in the villages.
“The unique initiative is aimed at focused and sustainable rural regeneration. It is about preservation and revival of J&K’s natural and historical heritage and stimulating the rural economy at the same time,” Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq said.
He said growing urbanization, haphazard constructions, social volatility and environmental degradation have adversely affected the support systems of human life – agriculture and tourism – to such an extent that with every passing day the situation is going from bad to worst not only in the urban areas but the rural areas as well. “And if we fail to act now, we will have to face the consequences of the nature’s fury,” he said.
The Minister said that unplanned constructions in rural areas are resulting in adverse impact on natural and built environment including encroachment of roads, choking of streams and springs, incompatible land use and excessive use of natural resources. “We have decided to regulate constructions in the rural areas to prevent haphazard growth,” he said.
He said under the initiative of ‘My Village, My World’, the Rural Development Department is embarking on a mission envisaging creation of awareness about planned constructions in rural areas, removal of polythene from every village Panchayat, and protection of water bodies rivers, streams, nallahs and springs.
He said most of the constructions in the rural areas also lack in terms of safety, sanitation and the basic norms. “We have to promote rural settlements that are safe, functional and accessible, enhance the living standards and the quality of lives of our people and at the same time preserve the natural and cultural landscape of our rural areas,” he said.
Haq said while, he will be himself launching the campaign from Baramulla on 4 August, all the Deputy Commissioners, Block Development Officers and Sarpanchs will launch the same across the state from one village each in their respective areas.
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