Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 16: Chairman District Development Council (DDC) Kathua, Col Mahan Singh, raised a wide range of critical issues related to infrastructure, power, education, healthcare and rural development, particularly concerning the hilly and remote areas of the district, during a detailed meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Describing Kathua as a geographically vast and diverse district, Col Mahan Singh informed the Chief Minister that it comprises hilly, Kandi, plain and border areas spread over 2,651 square kilometres, each facing distinct developmental challenges.
He strongly reiterated the long-pending demand for the creation of a separate hilly revenue district, stating that it would ensure balanced development, better governance and efficient resource management.
“The people of the Shivalik hill range have been waiting for decades for administrative restructuring that truly addresses their needs,” he said.
The Chief Minister assured that whenever new districts are considered, the hilly region of Kathua would receive top priority.
Col Mahan Singh also highlighted progress in handloom, handicraft and water sports initiatives, appreciating the establishment of Bamboo Craft Centres at Dinga Amb and Billawar, Common Facility Centres at Basohli for Basohli Pashmina and Basohli Paintings, and the water sports centre at Basohli. However, he stressed that these facilities must be fully operational with adequate staff and funding to create sustainable employment for local artisans.
Expressing concern over poor road connectivity, he pointed out that the Hatli–Mannu road and Billawar–Daggar (Bani) via Deri Gala road have remained incomplete for nearly four decades. He further demanded the widening and upgradation of the badly damaged Mahanpur–Basohli road, emphasizing its importance for economic growth. The Chief Minister assured timely review and action.
On power infrastructure, Col Mahan Singh demanded the revival of the defunct JKPDC Sewa-III Hydropower Project (9 MW) at Hutt Mashka, which has been non-functional since 2012. “Its closure has deprived the region of jobs, revenue and development opportunities,” he remarked, suggesting either its restoration or transfer to NHPC,” he added.
He also raised serious concerns about the shortage of teachers in schools, lack of doctors and paramedical staff in PHCs and Sub-Centres, and inadequate drinking water supply due to delays in Jal Jeevan Mission implementation.
Additionally, he sought clearance of pending 14th Finance Commission liabilities worth Rs 2.5 crore and speedy resolution of litigation affecting the Rs 270 crore RDSS power upgrade project in Kathua. He also urged release of funds for flood control and land erosion prevention, and pressed for approval of a second Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Basohli.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Col Mahan Singh presented a Basohli Pashmina shawl and a Basohli heritage painting to the Chief Minister as a token of local culture and craftsmanship.
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