Udhampur: Reiterating his commitment to inclusive and accelerated development, today inaugurated newly constructed Panchayat Ghar at Babey, built at an estimated cost of ₹20 lakh, and dedicated the facility to the people of the area.
Addressing a large public gathering, Pathania said that the Panchayat Ghar would strengthen grassroots democracy and serve as a centre for public participation, welfare delivery and local governance. He emphasized that the present dispensation is committed to taking development to the doorstep of every village and ensuring that even the remotest habitations receive quality infrastructure.
On the occasion, Pathania announced that road projects worth more than ₹50 crore have been sanctioned or are under execution in the area. He highlighted key projects including the Kamdala–Sundla–Leri–Lah PMGSY Road, Bai–Kanara–Sarna PMGSY Road, GS Banj to Panjian, Kamtala to Babay. He also informed that the Babey–Paroclaid road is progressing at a brisk pace. He further announced that work on the road from Government High School Ghar to Rajundi Beral shall commence shortly, bringing major relief to the residents of the region.
“The era of discrimination and neglect has ended. Every village, every Panchayat and every citizen has an equal right to development. Roads, drinking water, schools, healthcare and connectivity remain our highest priorities, and we will continue to work tirelessly until every pending demand is fulfilled,” Pathania said.
Later, the MLA reviewed the arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra in Udhampur and Tikri Base Camp. He inspected the facilities established for pilgrims, visited various langars, interacted with volunteers, and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the administration, security agencies, health officials, sanitation workers and social organisations. He stressed that pilgrims are revered guests and every possible facility must be ensured for their safety, comfort and convenience.
Pathania directed the concerned officers to maintain high standards of sanitation, uninterrupted drinking water supply, healthcare facilities, traffic regulation and emergency response throughout the Yatra period. He also lauded the spirit of service displayed by voluntary organisations participating in the pilgrimage arrangements.
Subsequently, Pathania visited the landslide-affected village of Sundla, where extensive destruction had occurred during the heavy rains and landslides last year. He undertook a detailed inspection of the affected habitations and interacted with the local residents to assess their grievances firsthand.
Expressing concern over the hardships faced by the affected families, the MLA issued directions to the concerned departments for immediate restoration of damaged water supply infrastructure, initiation of necessary restoration and protection works, and expeditious processing of land allotment/grant to eligible affected families wherever required under the applicable provisions.
Pathania asserted that the suffering of the people cannot be ignored and assured that every possible assistance would be extended for rehabilitation and restoration of normal life. He also criticised those elements attempting to politicise the tragedy instead of supporting relief and rehabilitation efforts, stating that public welfare should always remain above narrow political interests.
“The Government is committed to rebuilding damaged infrastructure and restoring normalcy in every affected village. We stand firmly with the people during every hour of need and will ensure that no genuine issue remains unattended,” he added.
