By M S Nazki
Development activities across Sub-Division Mendhar have gained fresh momentum, with major focus being laid on public needs and basic infrastructure. What was once a region struggling with geographical remoteness and infrastructural gaps, is today witnessing a visible transformation on the ground.
Locals said that Cabinet Minister Javid Ahmed Rana, during his long political journey, has remained focused on addressing public issues and promoting development across different areas of Mendhar and even whole as a minister. After assuming cabinet responsibility as Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs in the Omar Abdullah-led government, several long-pending initiatives have received renewed attention, particularly in the sectors of roads, water supply, power, healthcare and education.
Roads and Connectivity: Bridging the Distance
The biggest relief for the common people has come in the shape of road connectivity. Mendhar, being a border Sub-Division with difficult terrain, has for decades faced challenges in reaching remote habitations.
In a major push, the Minister laid the foundation stone for macadamization of road from Chajjala to Ramkund, Mendhar. The project will be executed by the Public Works (R&B) Department under Cities & Towns Programme at an estimated cost of Rs. 40.00 Lacs.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the government is committed to provide better road connectivity to the people of remote and far-flung areas and that macadamization of this road will provide much needed relief to the locals by improving connectivity and boosting economic activities.
Similarly, the newly constructed road near Phamra Ziyarat, developed under NABARD funding at a cost of Rs 319.91 lakh, has been inaugurated. The Minister said the road will ease travel for residents, improve access to remote habitations, and strengthen connectivity to the revered Ziyarat.
The foundation for construction of a 60-metre motorable bridge over Chattral Nallah at an estimated cost of Rs 2.52 crore was also laid which will improve the road connectivity and facilitate easier access to healthcare, education and other essential services. The bridge, being constructed under the Bridge Sector Permanent Restoration 2025-26 programme by the Public Works (R&B) Department, is expected to significantly improve accessibility in the area.
Jal Shakti: Water Reaches Every Household
For a minister holding the Jal Shakti portfolio, water has been the top priority.
In one of the largest single-day announcements for Mendhar, Minister Rana laid the foundation for a series of major development projects worth Rs 57.98 crore in Mendhar, aimed at strengthening the drinking water supply, irrigation infrastructure and rural connectivity across several remote and border villages.
The projects included 20 Water Supply Schemes under the UT CAPEX programme with a cumulative cost of Rs 51.84 crore. These schemes are designed to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to uncovered and underserved villages of Sub Division Mendhar ensuring access to safe and potable drinking water for thousands of residents.
In addition, irrigation and flood control works worth Rs 3.62 crore were launched to modernise and strengthen the water management infrastructure in the area.
Addressing a large gathering, Rana said "these projects are not merely infrastructure works but they reflect the resolve of the administration to ensure that development reaches every household, every field and every corner, no matter how remote."
A Lifeline in the Sky:
Helipad at Qasab
Perhaps the most symbolic project for this strategic border belt is the upcoming Helipad and Waiting Lounge at Qasab.
Minister Javed Ahmed Rana laid the foundation stone for construction of a Helipad and Waiting Lounge at Qasab in Mendhar, Poonch district. The project, approved by Omar Abdullah led government and taken up under the UT CAPEX, entails an estimated cost of Rs. 335.40 lakh and is aimed at strengthening connectivity and emergency response infrastructure in the remote border area.
The Minister described the project as a long-pending demand of the people of Mendhar and emphasized its importance for a geographically remote and strategically significant area. He said the initiative reflects the government's focus on development of backward, border and remote rural pockets.
Officials said the facility would provide a vital alternative mode of connectivity during medical emergencies, natural calamities and situations requiring rapid movement of people and essential services. For villages where road access gets cut off during heavy snowfall or landslides, this helipad will prove to be a lifesaver.
Civic Infrastructure and Eco-Tourism
Mendhar town itself is being upgraded. The Minister launched the first phase of the Mendhar Town Drainage Upgradation Project worth Rs 50 lakh, part of a larger Rs 10.15 crore plan under the UT CAPEX budget. The project will modernise the town's drainage network, improve sanitation, enhance flood resilience and raise public health standards.
Focus has also been laid on tapping the tourism potential. Highlighting the immense tourism potential of the area, the Minister announced the development of a State-of-the-Art Tribal Tourism Village at Bhera Qasab. He said the proposed tourism village, to be developed near the helipad site, would serve as an important platform for showcasing the rich tribal heritage, culture, traditions, handicrafts, cuisine and lifestyle of the region.
Later, the foundation stone for Rest House at Jaranwali Gali, to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 45 lakh, was also laid in presence of Surankote MLA Choudhary Muhammad Akram. The upcoming facility will support ecotourism, offer improved accommodation for visitors and enhance the operational capacity of the Forest Department.
Education, Health and Power: The Next Frontier
While roads and water are visible pillars, locals say work on power augmentation, healthcare outreach and school infrastructure is also being reviewed regularly. During his extensive tours to border villages of Mendhar Sub Division and Mankote area, the Minister interacted with residents and reviewed status of development works being executed under different sectors during the financial year 2025-26.
People have demanded upgradation of Primary Health Centres, posting of specialist doctors, electrification of uncovered hamlets and repair of school buildings, which the administration has assured to take up in a phased manner.
Locals Appreciate, Hope for Continuity
For the people of Mendhar, these projects are not just numbers. Mohammad Ashraf from Mankote said, "For the first time we are seeing foundation stones turning into completed projects. The Chajjala-Ramkund road was a mud track for years. Now macadamization has started."
A group of women from Bhera said the water supply scheme will end their daily struggle to fetch water from distant sources. Youth activists welcomed the helipad and tribal village, saying it will bring Mendhar on the tourism map and create employment for local guides, artisans and homestay owners.
People in various areas as a whole Pir Panjal have expressed hopes that the ongoing development process will further improve basic facilities and create better opportunities for future generations. Many say that Javed Ahmed Rana's understanding of local topography, tribal culture and border sensitivities makes his approach more people-centric.
As one senior citizen in Mendhar town summed up, "Development is finally reaching the last village. If this pace continues, Mendhar will not remain backward for long."
The renewed momentum has certainly raised expectations, and all eyes are now on timely execution, quality control and maintenance of these projects so that the benefits reach every household as promised.
Tags
Mendhar