J&K: Jitendra Singh chairs DISHA district meeting, says River Devika project will be completed by June

North India's first river rejuvenation project will offer a unique destination both for pilgrim tourists as well as recreation tourists, in addition to being a state-of-the-art cremation centre, he said. This will bring Udhampur prominently on India's map, he added.

Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sanctioning the Devika project and formally launching it during his visit to Jammu in early 2019.

The project includes the construction of three sewage treatment plants of 8 MLD, 4 MLD and 1.6 MLD capacity, sewerage network of 129.27 km, development of two cremation ghats, protection fencing and landscaping, small hydropower plants and three solar power plants. On completion of the project, the rivers will see reduction in pollution and improvement in water quality.

Addressing the media after chairing a meeting of District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) to review the progress of the centrally-sponsored schemes being implemented in Udhampur, Dr Singh said that the country's first Highway Village being constructed by NHAI is coming up on fast track on Udhampur National Highway and the Centrally funded Medical College will start its classes next year through NEET selection.

Udhampur-Kathua-Doda is possibly the only Lok Sabha constituency in the country which got three centrally funded Medical Colleges in Udhampur,Kathua and Doda respectively, he underscored.

To review the physical/Financial achievements of the programme/schemes being implemented in the District Udhampur covered under DISHA , Dr Jitendra Singh chaired a District Development Coordination & Monitoring Committee Meeting (DISHA) at Conference Hall DC Office Complex Udhampur.

“We were planning to start the MBBS classes in Udhampur this year from a makeshift building, but it was not allowed by the authorities concerned due to already laid-down guidelines. The construction work on the buildings is in progress and we are hopeful that the MBBS courses will start from next year,” he said.

While reviewing the progress of Devika project, Chief Engineer UEED, apprised the Union Minister that package-1 DevikaGhat development work stands completed and handed over to concerned authorities.

It was directed that DDC shall conduct regular meetings with all concerned including Councilors/ President MC, Udhampurexpedite the works on package so that it can be completed within the time frame.

The Chairman issued directions regarding smooth and proper supply of electricity in far flung areas of Moungri, Panchari and Upper reaches of Basantgarh as demanded by various BDCs Chairpersons.

In this regard, PDD Deptt. /District Administration to explore funding provision for improving/ augmenting the Power Scenario by filling the infrastructure gap.

It was decided that proposal for Foot over Bridge at Tikri and Jakhani on National Highway be submitted to the National Highway Authorities for early construction of the same as demanded by the BDCs Chairpersons and President Municipal Council, Udhampur.

It was decided that the National Highways viz. NH-44 and NH– 244 should be beautified by developing viewpoints, green areas, parks, raising monuments enroute to these important Highways and Tunnels as per feasibility.

The Chairman issued directions to the PMGSY and PWD while identifying the new roads projects under PMGSY network the same shall be vetted by the Members of PRIs and the CRF roads by the BDCs and DDCs.

Further, officers of PMGSY and PWD were instructed to ensure quality work in all the projects and if the quality is not upto the mark, then the elected members of PRIs and ULBs shall bring the same into the notice of Deputy Commissioner.