SHOPIAN: In order to lend patient hearing to public concerns, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta today presided over a Block Diwas event at Zainapora, Shopian.

On the occasion, public delegations from Zainapora, Babapora, Sofipora, Safnagri, Aglar Chirat and other individuals raised various issues of public importance pertaining to development of irrigation network in the area, pendency of applications in horticulture and agriculture departments for availing farm machinery, provision of better water and power supplies.

Public also demanded development of playgrounds, educational institutions at Sofipora, desiltation of canals, animal husbandry infrastructure development, beautification of Nallah Tongri, construction of public toilets, installation of solar lights and transport yard in Zainapora, staff for CHC and other health centres, macadamization of Zainapora and Bijbehara road, Aglar to Shopian road and other interior roads in the subdivision besides rejuvenation of springs, waste disposal services and various other welfare and development issues.

Giving patient hearing to the public, DC assured the visiting delegations and individuals of addressing their genuine issues in a timely manner.

He on the occasion sought department wise status of issues and demands as highlighted and issued on spot directions to concerned Officers for taking up the demands with concerned authorities and addressing them timely.

The DC also appealed to people to take benefits under the PM Surya Ghar scheme and install solar plants which aim to generate renewable electricity for local consumption, thereby reducing the burden of electricity tariffs for households.

Healso stressed on the need to conserve and protect water resources and called for investing in Rain water harvesting strategies in our conservation efforts, in view of the dwindling of water aquifers and sources owing to misuse of water.

Officers of Ayush, Horticulture and KPDCL also generated awareness on Health, wellness, sanitation and protection of water resources, Leaf Miner disease and its control and PM Surya Ghar Scheme.

ADDC, Dr.Nasir Ahmad Lone; ADC, Dr.Zakir Hussain Faaz; Principal, GDC, Prof (Dr.) Shafiq; CMO, Ex. Engineers of R&B and KPDCL, CAO, CHO, DIO, DSWO, concerned Tehsildar and other subdivision/block level officers and officials were present on the occasion along with an appreciable number of public and public representatives.