Handwara, April 13: In a major administrative move, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir has posted Ajaz Ahmed Botu to the crucial PHE Division in Handwara, a decision widely seen as timely and transformative. As per Government Order No. 61-JK(JSD) of 2026 dated April 13, he has been assigned additional charge of the division.
The Handwara PHE Division has been grappling with serious challenges over the past year, including repeated lockouts by agencies due to non-payment issues. The instability is further evident from the fact that three Executive Engineers have been changed within a single year, with officials struggling to maintain administrative and operational control.
Known for his strong administrative grip and technical expertise, Botu previously delivered remarkable results in Baramulla. Among his notable achievements was a historic mass transfer of over 700 field employees—an unprecedented step aimed at curbing indiscipline and streamlining water supply operations.
Significantly, even during large-scale workforce restructuring, water supply remained uninterrupted—an achievement many considered nearly impossible.
The Contractors’ Association has welcomed the decision, expressing hope that pending payments and stalled projects will now be addressed swiftly and fairly. The district administration has also shown relief, as repeated office closures and public unrest had become a growing concern.
With expectations running high, all eyes are now on Handwara. Ajaz Ahmed Botu’s posting is not just a routine transfer—it is being seen as a critical test of governance, discipline, and effective service delivery.
If his track record in Baramulla is any indication, Handwara may soon witness a shift from chaos to stability.
