Sajid Raina
Kathua, Jan 3: Asserting that PM Modi led government is determined to complete major reconstruction works in the flood hit areas in Jammu and Kashmir by August this year, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday said the Centre has released over Rs 1,400 crore as special assistance to rebuild the shattered infrastructure.
Chairing a meeting with district officials and public representatives, Dr Singh said that Kathua was the worst-affected district due to recent flash floods, given its location near the international border and its geographical linkage with adjoining areas of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
“Kathua was worst hit due to floods. After the Prime Minister’s intervention, we have received more than Rs 1,400 crore from the central government,” Dr Singh said.
He said the meeting focused on ensuring proper utilisation and accountability of the funds. “It was decided that the money should be used judiciously and in a time-bound manner,” he added.
Singh said the administration has been asked to prepare, within a week, a list of public structures that have suffered damage exceeding Rs 2 crore. “Once the list is ready, a detailed plan will be prepared so that reconstruction work can be completed by August, before weather conditions turn unfavourable,” he said.
Dr Singh said from January 5 to 7, elected representatives and officials would carry out a local-level assessment to identify damaged structures and incorporate public suggestions. “We want to ensure that no eligible structure is left out and the opportunity provided by this assistance is fully utilised,” he said.
Dr Singh clarified that the special allocation was primarily meant for public infrastructure, including school buildings, roads and bridges, while separate funds would be provided through SDRF and other mechanisms for private housing damage.
The Minister also announced several development initiatives for the district.
He said an MRI facility is being installed at Government Medical College (GMC), Kathua. “After Jammu, this will be the first such facility in the region,” he said.
Dr Singh added that a comprehensive cancer care unit, supported by Tata Memorial Cancer Centre, Mumbai, has been established at GMC Kathua.
The Minister said a homeopathy college is moving into the tendering stage, with groundwork and planning to begin soon.
Dr Singh said development works in Kathua had faced a setback due to flash floods, but measures were being taken to bridge the gap.
He said the long-pending Ujh multipurpose project has been revived. “The project is nearly a century old and has now been revived with the Prime Minister’s support,” he said.
He said a canal system is being planned to utilise excess water locally in Jammu and Kashmir and, where feasible, divert it to neighbouring states such as Haryana and Rajasthan.
Dr Singh also said approval has been granted for the Chattergala tunnel, which will serve as an alternative highway. He said the project will now be executed by the National Highways Authority of India due to its expanded budget.
On infrastructure, Dr Singh said widening work on the Dhar Road, a long-standing demand, has begun. “Following inputs from the Defence Ministry and the Home Ministry, it was decided that widening the road is necessary from a security perspective,” he said.
