Poonch, August 16: Minister of Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana today made a comprehensive tour of landslide affected areas of Surkote and Meadhar in Poonch district today.
The journey was organized with the aim of assessing on-ground damage, maintaining restoration efforts and ensuring immediate relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected communities.
Along with senior officials of the district administration and engineers from the line departments, the minister visited the site along the Sarkot-Jharanwali-Mendra Road, inspecting the landslide areas in Jaranwali Gali, Fambranarah and Narah.
The minister also conducted a detailed review near Surhoti’s major landslide sites as well as Jawahar Nawadya Vidyalayala (JNV), Surenkot, where infrastructure and public connectivity have been severely disrupted.
He directed all concerned departments including PWD, RDD and disaster management officers to initiate immediate damage evaluation and restore public infrastructure.
He emphasized to the authorities to adopt a coordinated inter-departmental approach to ensure that relief reaches every affected soul without any delay.
The minister said, “The government stands firmly with the people of this hour,”
Earlier, Rana also visited Jogar Park located near Sher-e-Kashmir Bridge in Poonch Town and directed the Department of Irrigation and Flood Control (I & FC) to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for upgradation and expansion of the jogging track in police lines.
He instructed for the installation of a synthetic surface to provide residents with a modern fitness feature against the picturesque riverfront, with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle for all age groups.
The minister also visited Miran Public School in Janir Dingla, where he continued with students, teaching faculty and school management.
Talking with young learners, Rana highlighted the transformative power of education and its role in shaping a progressive and justified society.
“The strongest tool for education empowerment is,” he said, confirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensure quality education, is especially accessible to all in remote and rural areas.