In the first major public outreach initiative following the formation of Drass District, Deputy Commissioner Drass, Imteeaz Kacho (JKAS), on May 23 conducted an extensive tour of Mushko and Holiyal villages to assess developmental requirements, understand public welfare aspirations and interact with local residents.

The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Vishal Atri (JKAS), Sub-Divisional Magistrate Drass; Abdul Samad, Councillor, LAHDC-Kargil; along with district and sectoral officers including Block Development Officer Shahid Sultan; Block Medical Officer Dr. Sajjad Hussain; Forest Range Officer Mohammad Ilyaz; Zonal Education Officer Mohammad Ibrahim; Block Veterinary Officer Dr. Mohammad Amin Naqvi; Assistant Executive Engineer, I&FC Mumtaz Hassan; Assistant Executive Engineer, R&B-II Zakir Hussain; Assistant Executive Engineer, PHE Zakir Hussain; Assistant Executive Engineer, PDD Mohammad Ali; Agriculture Extension Officer Stanzin Ldong; and Junior Engineers of the Public Health Engineering Department.

During the visit to Mushko, the village Numberdar and local residents welcomed the Deputy Commissioner at the Panchayat Ghar and highlighted various developmental concerns and public issues. Residents raised matters related to road connectivity, drinking water supply, electricity, healthcare facilities, irrigation, education and other essential public services. While expressing gratitude for the Deputy Commissioner’s visit, the villagers hoped for similar outreach programmes on a regular basis.

The Deputy Commissioner also visited the Government High School and reviewed the availability of teachers, infrastructure and student enrolment. He appreciated the efforts of the school management and Village Education Committee in maintaining quality education in the area.

Later, he inspected the newly constructed High School building, developed as per CBSE norms, and reviewed the pace of ongoing works. He directed the concerned officials to ensure the building is made winter-friendly and that all spaces are utilised optimally. The Assistant Executive Engineer, R&B-II, also sought the Deputy Commissioner’s intervention regarding clearance of contractor liabilities.

During the visit to Holiyal, local residents welcomed the Deputy Commissioner at the Panchayat Ghar and thanked him for his maiden visit to the village. They raised several critical issues concerning road connectivity, drinking water supply, electricity, healthcare, irrigation, education and other public services. A charter of demands was also submitted to the Deputy Commissioner.

The Deputy Commissioner issued on-the-spot directions for the immediate redressal of urgent issues and assured residents that demands pertaining to larger developmental projects would be taken up with the concerned authorities.

Subsequently, he visited the Government Middle School, Holiyal, where he was welcomed by the Headmaster, teachers and students. He interacted with the staff and distributed prizes among students during the school’s Upper Block Level Painting Competition, in the presence of the Councillor and accompanying officers.

During the tour of both villages, the Deputy Commissioner patiently listened to public grievances and directed the concerned departments to ensure timely redressal of genuine issues. He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among departments to ensure effective implementation of developmental works and improved delivery of public services in rural areas.

Reiterating the administration’s commitment to doorstep governance, the Deputy Commissioner assured residents of easy accessibility, prompt response and effective grievance redressal by the district administration.