Jammu, 18 December (H.S.): Senior leader from Udhampur, Pawan Khajuria, met Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Development, Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi and submitted a detailed memorandum seeking immediate intervention to address pressing issues related to housing, power supply, and urban development in Jammu Division.

In the memorandum, Khajuria highlighted the severe hardships faced by families affected by recent floods and landslides. He pointed out that many affected families are still residing in temporary shelters and tents, where essential facilities such as proper housing, electricity, sanitation, and drinking water remain inadequate.

He urged the Union Minister to launch special housing schemes for the affected population, including the construction of permanent residential units and the development of rehabilitation colonies. Khajuria also emphasized the urgent need for the development of basic urban infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, sewage facilities, and a reliable drinking water supply in the affected areas.

Raising concerns over power supply, Khajuria appealed for the restoration and strengthening of electricity infrastructure in flood- and landslide-hit areas. His demands included ensuring regular power supply, installation of new transformers, repair of damaged electric lines, and electrification of temporary shelters as well as proposed rehabilitation colonies.

The memorandum also stressed the importance of urban development initiatives focused on employment generation. Khajuria called for the establishment of skill-based industrial zones and urban employment-oriented projects in Jammu Division, stating that such initiatives would create job opportunities for local youth and help curb the growing menace of drug abuse by engaging them in productive activities.

Expressing optimism, Khajuria said he hoped the Union Minister’s sympathetic consideration of these demands would go a long way in addressing the genuine

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar