MENDHAR: In a major fillip to the developmental trajectory of Mankote block in Mendhar subdivision of district Poonch, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a wide spectrum of infrastructure projects valued at over ₹80 crore.
The projects, covering essential sectors such as road connectivity, drinking water supply, education, public utilities and sports are poised to significantly uplift civic amenities and accelerate socio-economic development in the district.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the projects, the Minister underscored Omar Abdullah led government’s resolve to bring sustained and inclusive development to border and remote regions. He stated that the newly sanctioned and inaugurated works will substantially improve the inter-village connectivity, enhance potable water supply and upgrade public institutions across Mankote, thereby improving the quality of life for thousands of residents.
Rana reaffirmed that the Omar Abdullah Government remains committed towards ensuring that geographically difficult and underserved areas receive priority attention and infrastructure at par with other regions.
Among the prominent inaugurations was the upgradation, purchase and electrification of the Community Hall at GMS Mankote, which is set to serve as a vibrant multipurpose facility for social, cultural and educational events.
The Minister also laid the foundation for a Community Facility Centre (CFC) at Village Mankote, marking another step towards strengthening the local civic infrastructure.
Additionally, new academic rooms at Middle School Barja and Primary School Magyad Keni, along with smart classrooms, reading rooms and library infrastructure at Middle School Nar Chhajla were launched to bolster the digital learning and improve academic environments.
Key education-related construction works including completion of High School Bareela, new Zonal Education Office at Mankote and a four-room block at High School Topa further highlight the Minister’s emphasis on strengthening the educational infrastructure in tribal-dominated and remote pockets.
He also inaugurated and launched extensive road connectivity projects across multiple panchayats such as Mankote, Ghani, Sagra, Balnoi, Chhajla, Kasbalari and Dabraj.
Under RDD, several rural links, vital for daily mobility and emergency accessibility, were taken up. These inter alia included concrete pavement to HSS Mankote, 60-metre steel foot bridge at Mohalla Bacheri linking Balnoi and Sagra and numerous inter-hamlet roads such as KG Top–Kholi, Choudrian Mohalla, Bella Bakerwalla–Garh Dabraj, Dubhna Khandhroo–Nagalban, Mohalla Chowana (Sagra), Bobby Camp–Pillain Water Point, Balnoi–Sharif Mohalla, Dharan Morh–Nakka Mohalla via Jamia Masjid and several other stretches expanding connectivity deep into interior habitations.
Simultaneously, major RDD, PWD and PMGSY road and culvert works were also inaugurated. These included Defence Road-Gorsian link, Ziarat Pothi–Maghyad Road, Dullain–Chouhan, Jabran–Parat, Naki Mera–Bela Chhajjla, Balhar–Moori, Sardaran–Gurdwara, Upper Narooni–Charan Simkan and Mera–Dakan Wala link in Balnoi.
Besides, macadamization projects, considered crucial for all-weather durability, were initiated on several high-traffic and strategically relevant roads such as the Balnoi–Ghani, Dharana–Chhajjla, Sagra–Balhar, Mankote Bridge–Bobi Camp and Uchhad–Kasbalari roads.
Similarly, additional construction and maintenance projects at Sagra–Ghani, Challas Gagito–Lehar Mohalla, KG–Kohlian Ghani, Nagar Gali–Bhagyote Gali and Uchhad Dewli–Ghani Bhatanar further highlight the comprehensive nature of this connectivity push.
Major PMGSY works, including the Dharana–Chhajjla road and critical Ghani–Sagra link upgrades, were also rolled out, promising long-term improvements in regional accessibility.
Further expanding the road network, the Minister inaugurated key PWD projects. These inter alia included the roads from Gani to Mohalla Jattan, Bela Pathana to Therpur via Naki Kassi, approach road to the steel Jullah Bridge in Mankote,ower Banloi via Kishti, Naka Salwah to Nar Tarkhana, Gurah Nima Chughan to Hudian Gali, the BRO Salani–Shaheed Aurangzaib link, Sagra–Balhar to Model School Dullian, Masoom Shah Ziarat to Ramkund Temple, Kani Narooni to Nagal Gali, Sona Gali Choi to Raja Shah Ziarat and the Tain–Thamlote road.
The education sector witnessed a corresponding boost through infrastructure upgrades at Girls Middle School Dhara Topa, High School Tain, High School Topa, Middle School Berja, Middle School Mankote (Boys), Middle School Nar Mankote, Middle School Thera and several primary schools including Basni, Chontra, Deriyaran and Lower Tain.
The improvements underscore the government’s focus on modernizing the academic facilities, promoting digital and experiential learning besides ensuring safe and conducive school environments for children in rural and tribal areas.
On the sports front, significant investments were made to nurture youth talent and encourage physical activity.
The Minister inaugurated the Mini Sports Stadium at Panchayat Magyad Keni, launched the upgrade of the Sports Stadium at Chhajla through chain-link fencing and initiated work on a modern Sports Complex at Panchayat Mankote Lower (Ward 4).
Equally noteworthy were the drinking water and Jal Shakti projects unveiled today. These included WSS Sagra Balhar Lower Devta, WSS Kasbalari, WSS Ramkund Chhajla, the drilling of a 250 mm tube-well at Mankote, and establishment of a Receiving Station at Ghani.
With these projects, potable water availability is expected to increase substantially, addressing chronic shortages and ensuring a reliable supply to households in water-stressed areas.
To strengthen the administrative outreach and community support systems, the Minister also inaugurated an Inspection Hut with a Chowkidar’s Quarter and Driver’s Rest Room at Mankote, as well as the newly constructed Zonal Education Office, marking a step forward in improving service delivery and governance at the grassroots.
Rana stated that the inaugurated projects constitute only the beginning of a much larger developmental roadmap that aims to transform every village in Mankote into a model of progress and opportunity.
He stated that inauguration and foundation stone laying of projects mark a momentous day for Mankote Block, promising far-reaching improvements in road connectivity, public services, water supply systems, educational facilities and sports infrastructure.
Together, he said, these initiatives lay a strong foundation for sustained, inclusive and forward-looking development in this crucial border region of Poonch.