ACS Forest, Ecology and Environment emphasises people-Govt partnership

Srinagar, June 10:  Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Forest, Ecology and Environment, Dheeraj Gupta, Monday convened a mega public outreach programme here at Srinagar to assess and address public issues and concerns.

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that the event, held to foster grassroots engagement between the locals and the government departments, witnessed overwhelming participation of the public and other stakeholders who raised several issues concerning the welfare and development of their respective areas.

DDC Chairman, Srinagar, Aftab Malik, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Commissioner SMC, Owais Ahmed, VC LCMA, RTO Kashmir, senior officers of the line departments and representatives of various Associations were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Dheeraj Gupta emphasised the need for continued collaboration between the public and government so that the best possible governance is provided to the public. He called upon the locals to participate in such events and take optimum benefit of governance reaching their doorstep to enhance their living standards.

Reflecting on the significance of holding these camps, the ACS appreciated the locals for their participation in this mega public darbar and reiterated the commitment of the present administration towards working tirelessly for the betterment of Srinagar and its residents. He said that these public darbars serve as a platform for the citizens to voice their concerns, share ideas and engage in constructive dialogue with the government for enhanced development.

Interacting with the officers on the occasion, the ACS asked them to engage actively with the public so that the best possible governance is provided to them. He called upon them to monitor the ongoing works of public importance regularly so that they are completed within given timelines.

During the event, the locals of Khonmoh, Zewan, Gandabal, Habbak, Panzinara, Harwan and other areas of Srinagar district raised various issues before the ACs and sought timely redressal of the same.

The representatives of market associations and transport associations also raised various issues and concerns about their sectors and sought their redressal.

The ACS issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned officers for the redressal of various public issues besides fixing timelines for certain issues concerning specific grievances.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner presented an overview of ongoing development programmes being implemented in the district.