SRINAGAR: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Lolab, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone, on Wednesday reviewed the development status of Machill block in Kupwara district, expressing concern over infrastructure gaps in education, health, and public services during a joint meeting of district and block-level officers.
In particular, the MLA was informed that out of the 32 functional schools in the Machill block, 10 continue to operate from rented accommodations. Lone was assured that building construction for these schools has been approved, and he instructed Tehsildar Machill to facilitate land identification and acquisition for the new structures.
The meeting, held at the Tehsil Headquarters Machill, followed Lone’s four-day extensive tour of the far-flung area. It was attended by ADC Kupwara Gulzar Ahmad, ACD, CMO, CEO, CAO, CHO, DSHO, Executive Engineers from KPDCL, R&B, I&FC, PHE, as well as other senior officials.
Lone stated that his visit aimed at ensuring timely redressal of grievances in a region that faces topographical and logistical challenges. He called on all departments to operate with a proactive approach, particularly in delivering basic services at the doorstep of residents.
In the education sector, Lone emphasised the importance of providing stable learning environments and committed to pursuing further upgrades to ensure quality schooling in the area.
On power supply, the MLA directed the Executive Engineer of KPDCL to install transformers in under-served localities, including Dar Mohallah, Wani Mohallah-A, Akhoon Mohallah Pushwari, Mal Mohallah Pushwari, and Khan Basti Reng.
In the health sector, officials reported a shortage of doctors and paramedical staff, to which the MLA assured he would take the matter up at the highest level to ensure necessary appointments.
The PHE Department was instructed to ensure universal coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), focusing on unconnected areas.
Reviewing progress in Rural Development, Lone urged fast-tracking MGNREGA works to generate employment. He also sought timely completion of R&B projects, with winter season deadlines for road connectivity and building infrastructure.
Other departments such as Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Sheep Husbandry also presented their achievements and current initiatives.
Later, Lone flagged off the Vaccination Express under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), launching free-of-cost Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccinations for the local bovine population. Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Dr Shabir Ahmad was also present.
The MLA distributed AI kits, tablets, GPS weighing machines, and hybrid seed kits under schemes like Rashtriya Gokul Mission and Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) to boost livestock productivity and fodder production.
