Kathua: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today inaugurated seven water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Jasrota, Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing the need for their effective implementation to achieve full saturation. The newly launched schemes, worth ₹25.31 crore, will benefit 15,881 people across 2,584 households in 10 villages, including Jasrota, Rakh Hoshyari, Padyari, Saktha Chak, Bhadoli Charpad, and Mangtian.
Addressing a public gathering, Dr. Singh highlighted that 303 water supply schemes are being implemented in Kathua district under the Jal Jeevan Mission, with a total estimated cost of ₹1,369.57 crore. He acknowledged certain challenges in execution but assured that these are being resolved in coordination with the J&K government.
Providing a progress report on key projects in his Parliamentary constituency, Dr. Singh noted the significant progress of major infrastructure initiatives, including the Chattergala Tunnel and the Delhi-Katra Expressway Corridor. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing a new work culture focused on timely project completion, ensuring improved connectivity in remote areas of Jammu & Kashmir.
Dr. Singh also announced that nine additional underpasses will be constructed along the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, addressing a key public demand. He emphasized that the Chattergala Tunnel, once completed, will be a game-changer for all-weather connectivity between Doda and Lakhanpur.
Highlighting tourism’s potential to create employment opportunities and boost livelihoods, Dr. Singh informed that Basohli and Mantalia are being promoted as tourist destinations, while Mansar in Udhampur is being developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
He further stated that Kathua district is emerging as a hub of economic activity, offering self-employment opportunities for youth. The district boasts North India’s first Biotech Park, a Seed Processing Plant, and the region’s only Homeopathic College. He urged the youth to take advantage of government subsidies for Khadi production, encouraging self-sufficiency.
The event was attended by J&K Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, MLAs Rajiv Jasroti (Jasrota), Dr. Rameshwar Singh (Bani), Vijay Kumar Sharma (Hiranagar), Vice Chairman of DDC Kathua, Raghunandan Singh Bablu, PRI representatives, and officials from the Jal Shakti Department.
Dr. Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that essential infrastructure projects—including water supply, connectivity, and tourism initiatives—are completed efficiently, contributing to Jammu & Kashmir’s development and economic growth.
