District-Level Committee Visits Remote Mandi Villages to Address Basic Amenities

On Thursday, a district-level committee, formed under the directions of the High Court, visited the remote villages of Manju and Magan in the Saratyola panchayat area of Karsog sub-division, Mandi district. The visit, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Rohit Rathore, aimed to assess the status of basic amenities and infrastructure in these underserved regions.

The committee’s objective was to review and address issues related to water supply, road connectivity, electricity, and educational facilities—concerns that have been long-standing for the residents of these isolated villages.

A Challenging Journey to the Remote Villages

The committee members embarked on a four-hour trek covering nearly 15 kilometers to reach these remote villages. Their journey took them through areas like Manju Zaklin, eventually reaching Magan. The arduous trek highlighted the challenges faced by residents living in such isolated locations, where accessibility is limited and infrastructure is often lacking.

Addressing Villagers’ Concerns: Key Issues Highlighted

During the visit, the committee interacted with the villagers to better understand their day-to-day challenges. Residents of Saratyola raised multiple concerns related to the provision of basic services. Water supply issues were a major point of discussion, with locals expressing frustration over the unreliable and insufficient water availability.

Additionally, the condition of roads was a pressing concern for both Saratyola and Magan villagers. The poor road network makes it difficult for residents, particularly students, to commute. Villagers from Saratyola specifically requested the introduction of regular bus services for schoolchildren, particularly during the morning and evening hours.

Magan residents brought up issues with the electricity supply, particularly low voltage, which has been affecting daily life and household appliances. They called for urgent intervention to resolve the power-related issues and stabilize the supply.

Committee’s Immediate Action and Assurance

In response to the concerns raised, ADC Rohit Rathore assured the villagers that their grievances would be addressed in a timely manner. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to improving the living conditions in these villages. During the visit, the ADC also inspected the Government Primary School in Manju, where the quality of infrastructure and educational resources was reviewed.

Following the visit to Saratyola and Magan, the committee continued its journey to the Parlog panchayat area, where it engaged with more residents to gather feedback and discuss other local concerns.

Team Members and Support for the Visit

The committee included several key officials from the Mandi district administration. Alongside ADC Rohit Rathore, the team comprised Sub Divisional Magistrate Gaurav Mahajan, Tehsildar Varun Gulati, Churag BDO Ravikant, Karsog BDO Narender Kumar, District Panchayat Officer Anchit Dogra, and several other department representatives.

Local panchayat heads, Tilak Chauhan of Saratyola and Gayatri Devi of Parlog, also joined the visit, providing vital local insight and assisting with the interactions between the committee and the residents.

Commitment to Improving Rural Infrastructure

The visit marks a significant step towards addressing the infrastructural gaps in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh. The Mandi administration’s proactive approach, under the guidance of the High Court, signals a renewed focus on providing basic amenities to underserved villages in the region. As the administration works to resolve these critical issues, residents of Saratyola and Magan can expect improved services and infrastructure, enhancing their quality of life and fostering sustainable development in these rural communities.