HARCHIN: Residents of Laspur valley of Upper Chitral highlighted a number of public issues at an open forum held by the district administration.
The open forum was held by Deputy Commissioner Haseebur Rehman Khan Khalil at the Government Higher Secondary School Harchin mainly to address concerns related to the Chitral-Booni-Shandur Road.
The project director of the road, the concerned contractor, departmental heads, former and current public representatives, and a large number of local residents attended the event, said the DC office in a statement.
The residents raised several issues and demands and urged the DC to restore irrigation canals damaged by the road construction under the NHA to protect agricultural activities.
The affected individuals demanded immediate payment for their land used in the road project. The locals insisted on conducting transparent and accurate measurements of the acquired land.
They also requested the administration to fill the vacant sweeper post and over 24 teaching positions at the Government Higher Secondary School Harchin. In addition, the residents asked for effective waste management during the Shandur Festival and demanded fair participation opportunities for local polo players.
The deputy commissioner acknowledged the legitimacy of these demands and promised immediate action. He directed the road project director to coordinate with the NHA and resolve related issues promptly.
The project director assured the residents that he would restore the affected irrigation canals through the concerned contractor. He also appointed a local representative as the focal person to ensure consistent follow-up.