Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Jan 05: Following the transfer order of Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad, people from different segments of society assembled at his office Friday convey their heartfelt farewells as he prepares for his new posting.
As news of his transfer spread, hundreds of people thronged to Deputy Commissioner Owais Ahmed's office on Friday to bid him farewell. The public hailed his remarkable tenure, commending his dedication to public service and efficient handling of their concerns.
Owais Ahmed, an officer of the 2014 IAS batch and serving Deputy Commissioner in Bandipora, has been appointed as the Commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation. His new role includes overseeing the implementation of the Smart City Project in Srinagar and serving as the Vice Chairman for the Srinagar Development Authority.
Owais Ahmed, who took office on July 13, 2020, leaves a lasting legacy in Bandipora characterised by impactful developmental initiatives. Notably, he played a pivotal role in boosting tourism through projects in the Gurez border town and enhancing activities around the Wular Lake.
"We hadn't seen any officer like him before; our area had been without drinking water for several decades. However, last year, when a delegation from our village visited him and sought assistance, he assured us of possible action. As a result, we received tap water for the first time," said a local delegation from Bankoot village.
Another delegation from the civil society said that the Deputy Commissioner consistently took a proactive stance for the progress of the district. They noted that whenever concerns were reported to him, swift action was witnessed in addressing the issues. "We wish him good luck in his future endeavors and extend our congratulations on his next posting. His contributions will always be remembered," they conveyed.
Also, the successful relocation of the district hospital from an old building to a new facility stands out as a major achievement under his leadership. Fulfilling the dream of grid electricity for Gurez residents was another noteworthy accomplishment during his tenure. Moreover, actively engaging in public outreach every week across the Bandipora district, the DC demonstrated a commitment to connecting with the community.
