GANDERBAL, DECEMBER 11: In a significant effort to strengthen the relationship between the administration and the local population, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Ganderbal, Shyambir, led the Block Diwas program at Manasbal, covering the Safapora Block in the district. This weekly initiative serves as a vital platform for the public to directly communicate their concerns and grievances to the authorities, with a focus on resolving issues in a time-bound manner.
The Block Diwas is part of the administration’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive development in the region by ensuring that the concerns of residents are not only heard but also addressed effectively. The event saw a wide range of issues being raised by the residents of Safapora and surrounding villages, underscoring the diversity of challenges faced by the local communities.
Among the key concerns voiced were issues related to the availability of timber, the damaged state of the Srinagar-Bandipora Road due to water leakage from pipes, the need for widening the Safapora-Ganderbal Road, and complications regarding the local post-office pin code. Additionally, residents highlighted problems with the Old Age Pension scheme, encroachments on irrigation canals, a shortage of staff at the Primary Health Center (PHC), and the pressing need for a retaining wall at the Gratabal graveyard to prevent erosion. Other issues included concerns about waste dumping at the local playground, the uneven distribution of electric poles, and frequent, unscheduled power outages.
Addressing the gathered crowd, DC Shyambir assured the public of the administration’s unwavering commitment to resolving their grievances. He emphasized that inclusive development was a priority and that the concerns raised were vital for shaping a better future for the area. The DC urged the community to actively participate in the development process by collaborating with various line departments and staying vigilant about the progress of ongoing government schemes and developmental projects.
“We are here to listen to your issues and ensure that they are resolved in a timely and effective manner,” DC Shyambir stated. “But your cooperation is essential for the success of these initiatives. It is only through active community involvement that we can build a stronger, more resilient Safapora.”
The event also saw the participation of various senior officers, including Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Gulzar Ahmad; Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD); Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR); and the Executive Engineers of key departments such as KPDCL (Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited), Jal Shakti, and Roads & Buildings (R&B). Their presence underscored the multi-sectoral approach being taken to address the issues raised by the public.
In his address, the District Development Council (DDC) member from Safapora provided an update on the ongoing developmental works in the block. He specifically emphasized the urgent need for improved road connectivity, the upgrading of power infrastructure, and the recruitment of additional staff in the health sector to address the dearth of medical personnel at the PHC.
The Block Diwas program also served as a reminder of the importance of open, transparent communication between government officials and the public. By bringing together government representatives and local residents in a direct and unmediated environment, the initiative reinforces the administration’s transparency and accountability in managing the district’s growth and addressing its challenges.
As part of the initiative, the DC issued immediate instructions to the concerned departments, ensuring that steps would be taken to resolve the issues raised as quickly as possible. The event concluded with a collective sense of optimism among the participants, who expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to directly engage with the administration.
The Block Diwas program is set to continue as a regular fixture, offering a valuable space for the administration to stay connected with the needs and aspirations of the local population. Through these initiatives, the Ganderbal district administration aims to build a more inclusive and participatory model of governance that benefits all segments of society.