Jitendra Singh chairs DISHA meetings, unveils development plans for Doda, Kishtwar

Doda, Dec 21: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, MoS PMO, Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that the prestigious Chhatergala tunnel connecting Doda and Bhaderwah with Lakhanpur via Basohli-Bani would be a game changer in providing all-weather connectivity to the region while boosting employment opportunities for the local youth.

Speaking during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee Meeting (DISHA) held here today, the minister said that the region which had remained untouched by development for the past many decades was now connected by a wide web of highways, improving connectivity in far-flung areas of Doda.

He called for the early completion of important projects, including the Khellani tunnel and Goha-Marmat Highway to further boost connectivity in the Chenab Valley.

He asked the concerned authorities to accelerate the execution of these projects for timely completion, without lapsing any funds.

The minister instructed the officials to prioritise public participation in developmental initiatives in line with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari for their effective implementation.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment towards ensuring the district's holistic development, Singh stressed the importance of implementing local benefit schemes like Ayushman Bharat and drug-free initiatives.

He called for conductive regular awareness campaigns to educate the public.

The minister also encouraged the officials to organise skill development programs to create job opportunities for unemployed youth besides intensifying sports activities in the district.

He proposed organising another lavender festival in the district next year to promote its cultivation besides highlighting the tourism potential of picturesque Bhaderwah, which has gained wide recognition as a prominent tourist destination. Singh also called for organising workshops to enhance innovation strategies and improve the district’s agricultural practices.

While chairing the DISHA held in Kishtwar with the entire district administration, Singh called for expediting the speed of ongoing hydel power projects.

He said that these plants would generate an estimated capacity of 8000 MW, enabling J&K emerge as the biggest power hub of North India.

The minister called upon the National Hydro Power Corporation Limited (NHPCL) to undertake capacity building of local unskilled labour to increase their employability for projects requiring specific skills and specialised training.

Reviewing the status of projects aimed at boosting connectivity in the district, he called for expediting the construction of a full-fledged airstrip in the district under Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN).

Reviewing the status of works under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMSY) and Jal Jeevan Mission, Singh urged that the concerned departments, including R&B, need to work in close coordination with the public representatives for speedy and better execution of projects.

Calling for bridging the communication gap, he said that the district administration must follow a Standard Operating Procedure for sharing information with the PRIs during field visits conducted by officials.

The minister said that inputs of PRI representatives should be taken by the officials for effective implementation of the works.

Noting the negative impact of some of infrastructure projects on the health of common citizens due to pollution and land degradation, he instructed for putting in place an arrangement for carrying out a dynamic exercise as regards environment clearance granted for these projects.

Singh said that it must also be ensured that the best practices are adopted for the protection of the environment and public health.

Expressing concern over some public servants, such as doctors and teachers, quitting their jobs without following due procedure, he said that a uniform policy needs to be firmed up under which if these civil servants, relinquish their posts, they must be made to provide hefty compensation to the government for putting citizens to inconvenience.

The minister underlined that the proposed policy is the need of the hour to avert a crisis across departments emanating from a dearth of staff in future.

He directed the district administration to organise mass awareness camps highlighting the benefits of lavender, Ayushman Bharat scheme and PM Surya Ghar Mutt Bijli Yojana.

Singh called for promoting Sansad Khelkud Spardha to develop sporting talent among the local youth and also pitched for branding of local products, such as cumin seeds and saffron. He informed that a saffron park will come up in Kishtwar soon.

He also called for further exploration of the world’s finest sapphire discovered in the mines of the Paddar area in the district for the generation of additional revenue and the creation of more employment opportunities for the local youth.