Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced a permanent seismological observatory at Kishtwar and a Doppler Weather Radar at Doda to strengthen weather forecasting capabilities and enhance disaster preparedness in the region.
The Minister was reviewing the key development proposals during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meetings at the districts of Kishtwar and Doda.
He announced that the new permanent seismological observatory in Kishtwar would augment the national seismological network, enhance earthquake monitoring and increase disaster preparedness in the region.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also announced that site selection for installation of Automated Weather Stations in the remote areas of Paddar and Machail has been completed to improve weather forecasting and support disaster management efforts. He said the installation process would be undertaken soon.
He stated that the Doppler Weather Radar in Doda will enable accurate and real-time monitoring of weather conditions. This will improve early warning systems and support disaster management efforts in the district, he added.
Addressing concerns regarding the Sudhmahadev Tunnel, Dr Jitendra Singh clarified that reports about stoppage of work were incorrect, and said the earlier tender was cancelled because of the security issue related to the allottee and said , a new tender will be floated soon.
Reviewing educational infrastructure, the Minister directed that vacant faculty positions, including that of Principal at KV School Jodhpur, be filled within a stipulated time frame. On healthcare, he emphasized the need to address staff shortages through a robust policy framework.
On the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh also inaugurated three PMGSY roads, namely Thathri to Chira road, with a total length of 19 kilometres, costing 928.40 lakh rupees, Goila Morh to Trankal (5 km) and Puneja to Bhalara (9 km). Altogether, these roads will benefit 7,151 souls.
During the meeting at Kishtwar, the issue of development of an airstrip in Kishtwar under the UDAN scheme was also discussed, particularly with regard to acquisition of additional land. The Minister directed Deputy Commissioner, Pankaj Sharma, to take up land extra acquisition proposal with concerned authorities for early progress.
The Minister also reviewed the proposal for development of a Saffron Park in Kishtwar, which has been pending for the past 12 years. He directed the concerned authorities to arrive at a consensus regarding the suitability of the identified land parcel so that the project can be expedited. Highlighting the importance of promoting local produce, the Minister emphasized the promotion of cumin seeds (kala zeera) under the One District One Product initiative. He suggested that cumin from the district could be developed as a signature product and presented as a souvenir to visiting dignitaries.
Dr Jitendra Singh also reviewed the status of infrastructure related to the medicinal and aromatic plants sector. During the meeting, Dr. Wahid, Technical Officer, J&K, Medicinal Plants Board, apprised that the Post Harvest Management Unit for Medicinal Plants at Kotli, comprising a marketing mandi, storage godowns, and drying sheds for medicinal and aromatic plants, is yet to be fully operational due to shortage of manpower.
The Minister called for efficient utilization of resources and removal of bottlenecks. He stressed the importance of effective inter-departmental coordination with local public representatives to ensure last-mile delivery of services. The Minister also reviewed the status of key road projects, including the Thathri–Doda road and Paryote road under National Highways.
Progress of the Chattergal Tunnel project was also assessed, with instructions to expedite work and submit the Detailed Project Report at the earliest.
During the DISHA meeting, which was also attended by Member of Parliament, Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, MLA, Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar and officers of various line departments, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for better inter-departmental coordination for timely execution of projects.
The Minister urged the public to avail benefits of various Centrally-Sponsored Schemes, and instructed officers to enhance awareness campaigns for wider outreach. The meeting witnessed detailed deliberations on ongoing developmental works, infrastructure gaps, and key public concerns across the district.