Jammu: Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday announced the establishment of an automatic weather station in the cloudburst-affected Chisoti area of Kishtwar district, a major step to strengthen weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in the region.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Chisoti village, the gateway to the revered Machail Mata temple in Kishtwar district, was devastated by a cloudburst on August 14, 2025, in which 65 people, mostly pilgrims, lost their lives.
More than 30 people are still reported missing.
“Following last year’s disaster in Chisoti, which continues to be discussed frequently, an automatic weather station and a seismology centre will be established at the site,” Singh told reporters here.
The Union minister said the project would be implemented shortly because the district administration has already approved the land required to set up the facilities.
“I spoke to the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar only yesterday. He informed me that he had already approved the land, so we can proceed further. We had requested the administration to provide suitable land for the project,” Singh said.
Emphasising the initiative’s urgency, Singh said the project was pursued proactively without waiting for lengthy formal procedures.
“Such initiatives move forward when pursued with dedication and passion. We did not wait for formalities or protocol. Instead, we followed up professionally to ensure progress. I am pleased to note that the required land has now been identified,” he said.
