03/10/2026
*DC Kishtwar Undertakes Extensive Tour of Warwan; Reviews Relief, Infrastructure and Public Grievances*
Kishtwar, October 03, 2026
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), who is on his extensive tour of Warwan in Sub-Division Marwah, reviewing relief and rehabilitation measures, ongoing developmental works and public grievances.
On arrival in Warwan yesterday, the Deputy Commissioner immediately proceeded to Mungli and met the families affected by the recent fire incident. A devastating fire had engulfed a cluster of wooden houses on the intervening night of September 29-30, in which 07 houses were gutted. Fortunately, there was no loss of human life.
The Deputy Commissioner assured the affected families of all possible assistance and support from the administration and informed them that relief under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) had already been credited to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries. Compensation for fully damaged houses, livestock and other eligible losses would be provided as per applicable disaster relief norms. Timber required for reconstruction of the seven damaged houses would also be provided as per applicable provisions.
Immediate relief in the form of kitchen sets, blankets, tents, mattresses, kitchenware, jugs, buckets and other essential items has been provided through the District Red Cross Society Kishtwar. Food and ration kits have also been arranged, while hydroelectric power project companies have dispatched relief kits under their CSR initiatives.
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the local community for responding promptly and working together to prevent the fire from spreading. He also appreciated the Sub-Divisional Administration, Police Department, engineering staff and other officials for their immediate response and deployment of machinery, including L&T machines and JCBs.
As a long-term fire-preparedness measure, the Deputy Commissioner proposed establishment of a community-level water reservoir equipped with a water pump and generator set at a suitable central location. He directed the SDM to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the same.
Today, the Deputy Commissioner visited Basmina Bridge and Sukhnaie Bridge and inspected the ongoing construction works. He directed the concerned departments to expedite the remaining works and ensure early completion for the benefit of the local population.
During his return journey, he stopped at Margi village, interacted with local residents and listened to their issues and difficulties. He assured them that their genuine grievances would be examined and taken up with the concerned departments for appropriate action.
The Deputy Commissioner thereafter attended a Public Darbar at the Block Development Office, Afti, where members of the public put forth their grievances, demands and issues. The DC gave a patient hearing and directed the concerned departments to provide necessary responses and take appropriate action for timely redressal. A number of issues were also addressed on the spot.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the administration remains committed to addressing the genuine concerns of people in remote and far-flung areas, ensuring timely completion of ongoing developmental works, effective delivery of public services and necessary assistance to people in distress.
The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by ADC Kishtwar Sh. Pawan Kotwal (JKAS), PO ICDS Kishtwar Sh. Rishi Kumar Sharma (JKAS), CEO KDA Kishtwar Sh. Kaiser Bhawani (JKAS), GM DIC Kishtwar Sh. Mohsin Raza (JKAS), SDM Marwah Dr. Mohd. Ashraf (JKAS), DSWO/DIO Kishtwar Sh. Tariq Parveaz Qazi (JKAS), DFO Marwah Sh. Vishal Chaudhary, CHO Kishtwar Sh. Sajid Mustafa, DSHO Kishtwar, Dy. CEO Kishtwar besides other officers and officials from various concerned departments.
