Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Unveils Vision for Basohli: Heritage Town and Aroma Start-up Hub

Basohli: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, unveiled a visionary plan for the development of Basohli in Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir, announcing its transformation into a Heritage Town and Aroma Start-up destination in the coming years. Dr. Jitendra Singh shared this ambitious vision during a public meeting in Basohli, where a Lavender Awareness program was also organized.

Highlighting the historical neglect of Basohli by previous administrations, Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged the existing development deficit in the Kandi area. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, the government’s priority has been to bring overlooked areas into the mainstream of development, addressing the long-standing development gap in these regions.

Reiterating the Prime Minister’s vision of creating a ‘Viksit Bharat & Viksit Jammu and Kashmir,’ Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the government’s focus on empowering the poor, farmers, youth, and women through various welfare schemes. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ mantra, ensuring holistic development for all.

Discussing infrastructure development, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted significant projects such as North India’s first-ever Cable-Stayed Bridge, Atal Setu, and J&K’s first inter-State bridge at Keerian-Gandyal, contributing to the region’s unprecedented progress.

Dr. Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritizing the Shahpur-Kandi Project, which had been stalled for 70 years. Emphasizing the project’s significance as a lifeline for the area with the potential to irrigate 4000 acres of agricultural land, he underscored the transformative impact of this initiative.

Drawing inspiration from neighboring states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, where the Aroma Mission has been successfully implemented, Dr. Jitendra Singh encouraged the cultivation of lavender in Basohli. Recognizing the area’s historical significance as the birthplace of the Purple Revolution in India, he expressed confidence that lavender cultivation could significantly boost the income of local farmers.

The proposed development projects align with the government’s commitment to holistic growth, placing Basohli on the map as a Heritage Town and Aroma Start-up hub, fostering economic development and cultural preservation.