Union Minister of State in PMO and Development of North-Eastern, Dr. Jitendra Singh today laid the foundation stone for up-gradation and improvement of Dayalachak to Katal village via Jandi road project falling under the Hiranagar Assembly segment.The road to be constructed under Central Roads Fund (CRF) and will be upgraded with the cost of Rs 10 croreOn the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh said “We are committed to provide the best road infrastructure to the people of J&K. We are working on the widening of the existing roads, and in order to prevent loss of precious young lives in road accidents, our first priority is to improve and provide road connectivity to the far off places,” he said.He further said that the road would help facilitate movement of commuters and would also lend a fillip to commercial activities in the area.Dr. Jitendra said that Rs 2600 Crore have been sanctioned for consolidating road network in Kathua-Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency under PMGSY wherein Rs 1400 Crore was especially earmarked for Kathua and Udhampur.
Underlining several other key projects of Kathua which are under progress, the Minister informed that Keerian-Gandial bridge, Bio Tech Park and Chattergala Tunnel will turn the prosperity of Kathua. He also said that Shahpur Kandi Dam project will not only suffice the income of farmers but also minimize the drinking water scarcity in water stressed areas.The Union Minister also stated that recruitment rallies for Military as well as Paramilitary Forces will soon be organized for border dwellers for which the proposal has already been submitted to the concerned quarters.
Dr Jitendar also highlighted several central welfare schemes whereas special stress was laid on SBM and urged all the stakeholders to synchronize their efforts in making J&K open defecation free(ODF).MLA Hiranagar, Kuldeep Raj raised the demand of separate Mini Secretariat for Hiranagar and more toilet units under SBM in border area. He called for revival of border tourism by promoting tourism activities in border areas.Highlighting the demand of unemployed youth of border area, Kuldeep said that the youth of Hiranagar border is eagerly waiting for special recruitment drive to earn a living as well as get an opportunity to serve their motherland.Among others, District Development Commissioner Kathua, Rohit Khajuria, SSP, Suleman Choudhary, SDM Hiranagar, Tehsildar, Engineers, Ex MLA Hiranagar, prominent citizens and large number of people were present.