Asks to frame DPR for developing Kalamstar as eco-tourism hub
KISHTWAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a review meeting at Kishtwar, to assess the progress of key development initiatives across the district.
Member Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo; MLA Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar; Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma; ADDC Vinod Kumar Behnal; ADC Pawan Kotwal and senior officers from the district attended the meeting.
Javed Rana undertook an in-depth review of the sectors including Jal Jeevan Mission, irrigation and flood control, forest, rural development, health, power and education.
While addressing the meeting, Javed Rana asked the officers to redouble their efforts towards timely completion of the ongoing projects and the effective delivery of public services.
Highlighting the environmental priorities, the Minister emphasised water and environmental conservation and directed the Divisional Forest Officers to coordinate with the road construction agencies to ensure conservation measures alongside road development, including slope stabilisation wherever required.
In a significant boost to the tourism potential of the Kishtwar region, Javed Rana announced development of the Kalamstar area as a major tourist destination. Noting untapped potential of the area to attract the visitors and generate sustainable livelihoods for local communities, the Minister directed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kishtwar, to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the initiative at the earliest.
The development of Kalamstar, the Minister observed, is envisioned as a catalyst for tourism-driven economic growth in the region, one that would open new avenues of employment and enterprise for the people of Kishtwar.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner presented a comprehensive PowerPoint Presentation detailing the sector-wise physical and financial progress under UT CAPEX, District CAPEX, NABARD and other schemes.
Regarding water supply infrastructure, the Minister directed the upgradation of old water supply schemes and expedited certification under the “Har Ghar Jal” initiative. He also instructed for submission of a DPR for a ₹2.75 crore lift water supply scheme for the Badhat (Saroor) area from Kandni Nallah. Special focus was laid on improving the water supply and irrigation facilities in Badhat (Saroor), Tunder (Dachan) and other underserved areas to enhance agricultural productivity.
He directed the CEO Municipal Council Kishtwar, to expedite completion of the garbage dumping site at Khanwari Shalamar. He also called upon the concerned to ensure swift electrification of 35 unelectrified remote villages alongside accelerated implementation of the RDSS scheme.
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 muck into the Chenab River, warning that accountability would be fixed in case of violations.
He further reviewed progress on the proposed Gujjar-Bakarwal hostel and directed for early identification of suitable land for its construction.
Javed Rana also held an interaction with the people from across the district lending a direct hearing to the grassroots concerns. He was apprised of several critical issues confronting the district, including the urgent need for upgradation of road infrastructure, expediting ongoing developmental works, strengthening water supply schemes, regularisation of daily wagers and the release of their outstanding wages. The repair of damaged footbridges, creation of sustainable employment opportunities for local youth, relief and assistance to flood-affected families in Chasoti and shortages in drinking water supply across Kishtwar town also figured prominently among the concerns raised.
The Minister heard all representations attentively and assured the delegation that their concerns would be taken up with the concerned departments for expeditious redressal.
