The central government on Saturday inaugurated seven water supply schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kathua. The schemes were launched by Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions of India Dr Jitendra Singh in a village named Jasrota.
The schemes costing Rs 25.31 crore is expected to benefit 15,881 residents, covering 2584 households in 10 villages, including Jasrota, Rakh Hoshyari, Padyari, Saktha Chak, Bhadoli Charpad and Mangtian. Speaking at the launch, the Minister informed that a total of 303 water supply schemes, with an estimated cost of Rs 1369.57 crores, are being taken up in district Kathua under Jal Jeevan Mission.
Dr Jitendra Singh stated that the government is focused on completing the stalled projects to boost connectivity in remote parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The minister also assured local residents that certain issues which are being faced in the proper implementation of the schemes are being sorted out in coordination with J&K government.
Kathua to become major economic hub
Dr Jitendra Singh stated that the government is working to make the district of Kathua a major hub of economy activity, offering avenues of self-employment to the local youth. He mentioned that the district has earned a unique distinction for having North India’s first Bio-tech Park, Seed Processing Plant and North India’s only Homeopathic College. The Minister urged the youth to avail the subsidy being provided by the government for the promotion of Khadi to earn their own livelihoods.
Connectivity
The Minister said that once completed, the strategic Chattergala tunnel will become a game-changer in providing all-weather connectivity between Doda and Lakhanpur. He further informed that the government has decided to build nine additional underpasses along Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, to fulfil a public demand.
Tourism
Underlining the potential of tourism to create employment opportunities and boost livelihoods, Dr Singh said that steps are also being taken to promote tourism in places such as Basohli and Mantalia in the region. The Minister informed that Mansar area of Udhampur district is also being developed as a tourist destination under Swadesh Darshan scheme.
