SHOPIAN: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today visited several areas in Shopian district and listened to people's grievances.

MLA Zainapora, Showket Hussain Ganie along with officers accompanied the Minister during his visit to places like Burihalan, Hirpora.

The people raised several issues while seeking Minister's intervention in speedy redress of the same.

The MLA, on the occasion, projected several grievances and demands pertaining to welfare and development of people of his constituency. He raised the issue of macademisation of roads, upgradation of rural health infrastructure, better sanitation facilities and increasing supply time of water among other things.

A delegation of people demanded implementation of Forest Rights Act guaranteed under the constitution and demanded fair review and scrutiny of their rejected claims to forest rights.

Another delegation from Hirpora complained about the shortage of portable water in their area and sought intervention of the Minister to address their concern immediately.

Likewise, another delegation raised the issue of better drainage facilities and complained that the roads get choked in rainy season giving a tough time to the commuters.

The Minister assured the delegations that government is abreast with the problems faced by people and has taken slew of measures to address those on priority.

The Minister also took stock of the grievances pertaining to the departments under his control.

He assured that the government would ensure outcome-based disposal of the issues raised by the people. He also assured that the issues pertaining to other departments will be forwarded to the concerned for timely action.