Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Ch. Lal Singh today commissioned a dug well station at Kainta under Water Supply Scheme Tridwan. The work was completed under Improvement and Augmentation of WSS Tridwan under ARWSP-Phase-IV at a cost of 41.83 lakh and would provide benefit to 3856 souls of village Kainta, Tridwan and adjoining areas. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that to mitigate the problem of drinking water of Tridwan village, a new pipeline will be laid and hand pumps would be provided in the areas where pipeline can`t reach. He further laid stress on linking every far flung village of Basohli by constructing new roads thus increasing connectivity. He said that to increase tourist footfall and providing avenues of water sports steamers will also be provided at Ranjit Sagar Dam. Ch. Lal Singh also announced that since village Kainta is far from Kathua a spare motor will also be provided in this station to meet any exigency. The Minister also directed the Forest Officers to plant more trees in the vacant forest land to prevent soil erosion. He also asked them to immediately take up fencing of vulnerable forest areas to curb encroachment of forest land . Several villagers raised the demand of Higher Secondary School at village Kuthlair or at Basantpur. They also apprised him with their demand for new dug well in the area and problem of low voltage. Earlier, a public grievance redressal camp was also held at Kathua in which the Minister patiently listened to the problems of various deputations which came from the nearby villages. He gave necessary directions to the concerned departments to take requisite steps to mitigate the problems of the people. The Minister said that Government is working for the equitable development of all the three regions of the State and concerted efforts are on to provide better amenities to the people. Ch Lal Singh exhorted upon the people to plant more trees in their surroundings to preserve the environment . He further said that about 1 lakh saplings will be planted at Jasrota along with the creation of 2 ponds. Two Zoos will be developed at Pahalgam and Nagrota to bring the state on the national tourist circuit informed the Minister. ADC Kathua Bharat Bhushan , Tehsildar, officers of of line departments , Sarpanch and Panchs were present on the occasion.
