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Kishtwar, April 26: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a high-level review meeting at the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex in Kishtwar to assess the progress of key developmental initiatives across the district.
The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament, Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar along with senior officers of district administration departments.
Pankaj Sharma, District Development Commissioner through a power point presentation outlined sector-wise physical and financial progress under UT CAPEX, District CAPEX, NABARD and other centrally sponsored and UT-level schemes.
Undertaking a comprehensive review, the Minister examined the status of key sectors including the Jal Jeevan Mission, irrigation and flood control, forestry, rural development, healthcare, power and education.
Stressing the need for timely execution, he directed officers to strictly adhere to project timelines and strengthen inter-departmental coordination to ensure transparency, accountability and efficient delivery of services at the grassroots level.
Emphasizing environmental sustainability, the Minister called for intensified efforts in water conservation and ecological protection.
He instructed the Divisional Forest Officers to work in close coordination with road construction agencies to undertake slope stabilization measures wherever necessary to prevent environmental degradation.
A major highlight of the meeting was the announcement to develop the Kalamstar area as a prominent tourist destination.
To this end, the Minister directed the DFO Kishtwar to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), envisioning the promotion of eco-tourism and generation of local livelihood opportunities.
In the Jal Shakti sector, the Minister emphasized the upgradation of aging water supply schemes and expedited certification under the Har Ghar Jal initiative. He also instructed the submission of a DPR for a ₹2.75 crore lift water supply scheme for Badhat (Saroor) from Kandni Nallah.
Special attention was given to improving water supply and irrigation infrastructure in underserved areas such as Badhat (Saroor), Tunder (Dachan), and adjoining regions, with the aim of boosting agricultural productivity and supporting rural livelihoods.
Reviewing the progress under Samagra Shiksha, the Minister noted that 32 projects remain pending due to non-availability of land. He directed the district administration to prioritize the allocation of state land and explore the use of MGNREGA funds for land levelling to facilitate timely execution.
The Minister also instructed the CEO, Municipal Council Kishtwar, to expedite the completion of the garbage dumping site at Khanwari Shalamar, underscoring the importance of scientific waste management.
In the power sector, directions were issued to the Executive Engineer, JPDCL Kishtwar, to ensure the electrification of 35 unelectrified remote villages and to accelerate the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
Taking a firm stance on environmental protection, the Minister directed the Pollution Control and Mining Departments to strictly monitor and prevent the dumping of construction debris into the Chenab River by hydropower project agencies.
He warned that strict accountability must be enforced in cases of violations. Additionally, the Minister reviewed progress on the proposed Gujjar-Bakarwal hostel and directed the early identification of suitable land to facilitate its construction.
Concluding the meeting, the Minister urged all officers to intensify their efforts to ensure timely completion of ongoing projects and enhance public service delivery. He reaffirmed Omar Abdullah-led Government’s unwavering commitment to the holistic, inclusive, sustainable and regionally balanced development across J&K including Kishtwar.
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