KATHUA, Apr 11 :The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, today made a series of key announcements aimed at accelerating development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing theDistrict Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting at DC Office here, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that the long-pending Ujh Multipurpose Project has finally received approval, describing it as a historic milestone. He noted that the project was originally conceived nearly a century ago but remained stalled for decades due to administrative and financial constraints.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that sustained efforts over the past 13 years helped resolve issues arising from cost escalation. He further informed that the Ministry of Home Affairs extended crucial support in view of national security considerations, as the Ujh river has been identified as a vulnerable point for infiltration. Dr Jitendra Singh said the project is expected to significantly enhance irrigation capacity and contribute to overall regional development.
Highlighting progress on the ShahpurKandi Barrage, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the national project is nearing completion, and it is expected to be commissioned within a month. He recalled that the foundation stone was laid by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the early 1980s, but the project remained pending for decades. Dr Singh said the project was revived following the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Jammu in 2019. The Minister stated that the ShahpurKandi Barrage, along with the Ujh Multipurpose Project, will provide surplus irrigation to border districts of Kathua and Samba in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as Pathankot and Gurdaspur in Punjab.
Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway is progressing at a rapid pace, and it will soon be opened up to Vijaypur in Samba district. He added that construction work on the remaining stretch up to Katra is underway, and it is expected to be completed in the coming months. The expressway will significantly reduce travel time, improve connectivity, and promote economic activity and tourism in the region, he added.
In a major boost to sports infrastructure, the Union Minister announced that the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Office has approved the transfer of additional land for the construction of the ArunJaitley International Stadium at Hiranagar. He said the project will facilitate the development of modern sports facilities and create new opportunities for youth in the region.
Referring to the West Asia Situation causing energy crisis across the world, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that the work for laying a pipeline to supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) up to Kathua will be completed within the next six months. The project will be undertaken by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and is expected to provide a reliable and environment-friendly energy source to households.
During the DISHA meeting, the Minister directed officials to strengthen coordination with elected representatives by keeping the concerned MLAs actively involved in matters related to water supply, power distribution, and road connectivity. He stressed that regular consultation with MLAs would help ensure better monitoring of public services, quicker resolution of local issues, and improved delivery of essential infrastructure at the grassroots level.The Minister also took note of the poor condition of the strategic Dhar Road. He instructed the concerned authorities to take immediate corrective action and ensure that potholes on the road are filled without delay.
Expressing concern over illegal mining, the Minister said it is posing a serious threat to public infrastructure, including the foundation of prestigious bridges and other critical assets. He directed law enforcement agencies to take strict action against such activities and ensure effective enforcement to curb the menace and protect vital infrastructure.
On PM SVANidhi, the Minister urged MLAs to create awareness about the scheme in their respective constituencies. Describing the scheme as a strong livelihood support initiative for street vendors, he saidit helps them access easy credit facilities to sustain and expand their small businesses. Dr Singh also stressed the need to promote PM Surya Ghar scheme among the public so that more households can adopt solar energy. He said the scheme can significantly reduce electricity bills by up to 30 percent.
MLA Jasrota, Rajiv Jasrotia; MLA Kathua, Dr Bharat Bhushan; MLA Hiranagar, Vijay Kumar; MLA Basohli, Darshan Singh; MLA Billawar, Satish Sharma, PRI representatives, and the entire District Administration led by Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Rajesh Sharma, SSP, Mohita Sharma and officers of the line departments attended the meeting.
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