Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Choudhary Lal Singh today said that steps are afoot to develop infrastructure and provide better amenities to the people, adding that various ambitious projects are in pipeline to bring Basohli town on the tourism map which would further help in socio -economic growth of the people. This was stated by the Minister during his whirlwind tour of the area. During his visit, the Minister also met various deputations and took stock of the demands of the people. Deputations from village Jandraili, Sheetal Nagar, Gadodi, Kund, Talail, Shayara, Khadi, Hat Mashka and Tohara met the Minister and apprised him with their demands pertaining to upgradation of roads, lanes and drains, low voltage, playground, regular supply of drinking water, supply of ration as per scale fixed by the Government. The Minister gave a patient hearing to the projected demands and directed the concerned officers to take adequate steps to redress the issues pertaining to verification of BPL list in village Sheetal Nagar, enrollment under AADHAR in village Kot along with restoration of PHE supply, repair of pond at village upper Shayara, Tractor road from village Kund to Talail , new transformer at Lower Jandraili and Upper Shayara at the earliest so that people do not face any inconvenience. Ch. Lal Singh urged the residents for taking up massive plantation drives to improve the green cover and stressed on developing ornamental and medicinal plants. He said that Basohli area has ample potential for cultivation of medicinal plants and exhorted upon the farmers and youth to take up cultivation of these plants to tap their financial benefits. He also informed that requisite steps will be taken to promote Art and Pashmina of Basohli. DDC Kathua Ramesh Kumar, Ex MLA Kanta Andotra ACD, CEO, SDM, Xen PHE, Xen PMGSY, GM SFC, DFO Billawar and DFO Kathua accompanied the Minister during the visit.
