“The Doppler weather radar will enable accurate and real-time monitoring of weather conditions. This will improve early warning systems and support disaster management efforts in the district,” Singh said while chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting in Doda.
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Singh said that the construction of the link road from Kalota to Humbal on the national highway is to be taken up on priority to improve connectivity.
He further said that the road to the Mata Dedani Shrine is also being expedited, with directions issued to accelerate the pace of work to facilitate better access for devotees and promote religious tourism in the area.
Singh also reviewed the status of infrastructure related to the medicinal and aromatic plants sector.
During the meeting, Dr A Wahid, technical officer of 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 a shortage of manpower.Taking note of the issue, the Union minister directed that office space may be provided to local entrepreneurs engaged in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector under a public-private partnership (PPP) model at the High Altitude Medicine Centre, Bhaderwah, with nod from the AYUSH ministry.
The minister also reviewed the status of key road projects, including the Thathri-Doda road and Paryote road under national highways, and directed authorities to ensure timely maintenance. Directions were issued to expedite restoration works on the Assar-Baggar road and maintenance of the Khellani-Marmat stretch.
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The progress of the Chattergala Tunnel project was also assessed, with instructions to expedite work and submit the detailed project report at the earliest.
Addressing concerns regarding the Sudhmahadev Tunnel, Singh clarified that reports about the stoppage of work were incorrect, and said the earlier tender was cancelled because of security issues related to the allottee, adding that 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 emphasised the need to address staff shortages through a robust policy framework.
On the occasion, Singh also inaugurated three PMGSY roads, namely the 19-km-long Thathri to Chira road, costing Rs 928.40 lakh, the Goila Morh to Trankal (5 km) and Puneja to Bhalara (9 km). Altogether, these roads will benefit 7,151 people.
Sector-wise assessments were also undertaken for key departments, such as health, education, power, rural development, agriculture and employment generation.
