Jammu: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said work on the Ujh Multipurpose Project is expected to start soon, while the tender to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the four-laning of Dhar Road has been floated.
The minister of state in the prime minister’s office was speaking at a ‘Janta Darbar’ at Sukrala in Kathua district, which is part of the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency he represents.
BJP MLA of Billawar, Satish Sharma, and senior officials of the district administration attended the meeting.
Singh interacted with locals and public representatives and took up issues related to infrastructure, road connectivity, drinking water supply and other public services.
He directed the concerned authorities to examine the issues raised and pursue appropriate follow-up action for their timely resolution.
Highlighting the major infrastructure initiatives in the region, Singh said that work on the Ujh Multipurpose Project has been taken up after nearly 100 years and execution of the project would commence soon in a phased manner.
The project is expected to be an important intervention in addressing the region’s water and development requirements.
The minister also said that the process for the four-laning of Dhar Road has been initiated after nearly 60 years since its construction.
Repair work on road stretches damaged over the years, which had remained unattended for nearly half a century, has been taken up with immediate effect from the Udhampur side, he said.
The repair work would subsequently cover the stretches on the Billawar side as well, he added.
Singh said the vital road link between Billawar and Bani, where a stretch of approximately 5 km is held up due to pending forest clearance, was also taken up during the interaction.
The minister discussed the issue with the concerned authorities and called for an early resolution of the matter to facilitate progress on this important connectivity project.
Responding to complaints regarding drinking water supply, Singh said the earlier Jal Jeevan Mission framework has been replaced by a new plan, which is under execution.
He expressed hope that the ongoing efforts would help ensure drinking water supply to every household and asked the concerned departments to address the difficulties being faced by the residents.
The minister also reviewed the development of facilities on the premises of the Sukrala temple near Billawar.
He said construction work at the temple is being undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore, contributed through the MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), in convergence with the constituency development fund (CDF) of MLA Sharma. The initiative aims to improve facilities at the prominent religious site.
The minister also paid obeisance at the temple on the occasion of Navratri, and extended his greetings to the people and wished them peace, prosperity and well-being.
Earlier, Singh visited Hiranagar near the International Border, where he participated in a public programme and highlighted the importance of preserving the historical legacy of the region.
At the historic Jasmergarh Fort, Singh reiterated his commitment to undertaking the developmental works required in the area while preserving its heritage.
He also paid obeisance at the Mahakali temple located within the fort premises.
