Issues of farmers and land stakeholders along IB discussed in detailKathua,
March 30: Kathua Administration today convened a public outreach meeting at Border Out Post (BOP) Manyari to listen to the issues and grievances of border residents.The meeting was attended by MLA Hiranagar Vijay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma and DIG BSF SHQ Vidhur Bhardwaj, who interacted with the local population and took stock of their concerns.During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on key issues projected by the residents, mainly pertaining to pending land compensation and rent in lieu of land acquired or utilized by Defence authorities, including BSF and Army, along the International Border. The residents sought rightful compensation for land used for construction of bunkers, ditch-cum-bunds and other utilities, besides land falling within the 44 feet and 135 feet fencing zones.Issues related to rejuvenation of ponds, establishment of Health & Wellness Centres, installation of tubewells, extension of watershed schemes in border areas and channelization of nallahs affected during recent floods were also discussed. Former PRI members and local representatives projected various concerns of the villagers.The MLA Hiranagar appreciated the initiative of the District Administration and BSF authorities for providing a platform to the border residents to project their issues.The Deputy Commissioner, while addressing the gathering, said that the outreach programme aims to bring all stakeholders on a common platform for effective redressal of issues of border residents, particularly farmers affected due to land utilization along the border. He added that the issues raised would be taken up with the appropriate authorities for timely resolution, while those pertaining to the district administration would be addressed on priority.The DIG BSF assured that genuine issues of the border residents, especially related to pending compensation and rent, would be taken up at appropriate levels for necessary action on priority.Earlier, the Executive Engineer, CPWD apprised the meeting that tenders have been floated for repair of infrastructure damaged due to recent floods, including provision of culverts, which is expected to significantly mitigate the issue of water stagnation in the affected areas.Commandants of 159 BN and 107 BN BSF, ACR Kathua, Vishav Partap Singh, SDM Hiranagar, Phulail Singh, CPO, Ranjeet Thakur, Tehsildar Hiranagar Anup Sharma, Tehsildar Marheen Lekh Raj, Defence Estate Officer, XENs of PDD, PMGSY, PWD and CPWD, CAO, CAHO, District Ayush Officer, Wildlife Warden, DIO, BMO and a large number of residents from Bobiya, Manyari, Chak Changa and adjoining villages were also present on the occasion.
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