Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said here today that the historic River Devika project, built at the cost of over Rs 190 crore, will be complete by June this year. North India's first river rejuvenation project will offer a unique destination both for pilgrim tourists as well as recreation tourists, in addition to being a state-of-the-art cremation centre, he said. This will bring Udhampur prominently on India's map, he added.

Comparing it with the pioneer “NamamiGange” project of the Central Government, Dr Jitendra Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sanctioning the Devika project, which was formally launched by Modi during his visit to Jammu in early 2019. He said, it is now the responsibility of all of us to accomplish this project by June this year at any cost.

The project includes the construction of three sewage treatment plants of 8 MLD, 4 MLD and 1.6 MLD capacity, sewerage network of 129.27 km, development of two cremation ghats, protection fencing and landscaping, small hydropower plants and three solar power plants. On completion of the project, the rivers will see reduction in pollution and improvement in water quality.

Later, speaking to media after presiding over the DISHA meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the country's first Highway Village being constructed by NHAI is coming up on fast track on Udhampur National Highway and the Centrally funded Medical College will start its classes next year through NEET selection.

Udhampur-Kathua-Doda is possibly the only Lok Sabha constituency in the country which got three centrally funded Medical Colleges in Udhampur,Kathua and Doda respectively with the efforts of Dr Jitendra Singh as its MP.

To review the physical/Financial achievements of the programme/schemes being implemented in the District Udhampur covered under DISHA , Dr Jitendra Singh chaired a District Development Coordination & Monitoring Committee Meeting (DISHA) at Conference Hall DC Office Complex Udhampur.

DDC Chairperson, Udhampur Lal Chand, DDC Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas, Pathania, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur Indu Kanwal Chib, SSP, Vinod Kumar, BDCs, President MC, Dr Jogeshwar Gupta, MC Ramnagar, MC Chenani, DDCs and other nominated members of DISHA Committee i. e. PRIs, Women, representatives of ST, SC,NGO besides District/Sectoral Officers of different departments attended the meeting on the occasion.

Threadbare discussion were held on various schemes being implementing in different sectors of the District like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, NRLM, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana,National Social Assistance Programme, Pradhan Mantri Gram Awaas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sanchaye Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, PMKSY, Soil Health Card, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAYU),Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMAYG), 14th FC, MGNREGA, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Status of Chenani –Sudhmahadev (NH-244), Status of Medical College, Status of Degree Colleges, PWD,Financial status under CSS ( District Capex budget 2021-22), PMGSY, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna, Distribution of soil health cards, Pradhan MantriFasalBimaYojana, PMKSY, Status of ongoing projects, DILRMP, PMMVY, Poshan Abhiyan, Education, FCS&CA, Network Problems, Beautification of National Highways and Tunnel, PMGSY/CRF Roads, National Highways & Local Employment, Jal JeevanMission, Scaling up of New initiatives, Proper Supply of Electricity, etc discussed in detail.

At outset, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Indu Kanwal Chib extended a warm welcome to Dr Jitendra Singh and gave a sector wise detailed powerpoint presentation of the physical/financial progress achieved during the year 2021-22 under various flagship programmes/schemes incorporated under DISHA being implemented in the District , besides mega projects.

Dr Jitendra Singh took extensive review of all schemes undertaken by different departments in the district. District heads of various departments apprised the Union Minister about the status of different schemes taken up and their status as on date. The Minister directed the concerned departments to mobilize their men and machinery for effective implementation of all schemes and coverage of 100% eligible beneficiaries under all schemes and no eligible beneficiary to be left out. The Hon’ble MoS directed all the officers to work in coordination for better results at the grass root level. He further directed the officers to remain in touch with the people, pay regular visits and organize camps in all the remote and far-flung areas so that the people are made aware about the benefits of these schemes.

Dr Jitendra Singh informed that Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana(PM-JAY) “SEHAT” is the largest health insurance scheme which aims at providing a health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization across public and private empanelled hospitals in India. The Hon’ble Union Minister directed the concerned department to expedite the process in the District so that all the eligible beneficiaries can avail the benefits of this scheme. While reviewing the progress of Devika project, Chief Engineer UEED, apprised the Union Minister that package-1 DevikaGhat development work stands completed and handed over to concerned authorities. It was directed that DDC shall conduct regular meetings with all concerned including Councilors/ President MC, Udhampurexpedite the works on package so that it can be completed within the time frame.

While reviewing Pradhan Mantri AwasYojana (PMAY), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 14th FC, SBM-G, Dr Singh asked concerned officers to ensure all the works taken up are completed within time frame. The Union Minister directed all the concerned departments to ensure 100% coverage of all eligible beneficiaries and golden cards for the whole population in the district.

During the meeting, it was desired that Jal Jeevan Mission shall be implemented in Mission Mode for 100% piped water connection to the public. The Jal Shakti Department Udhampurwas directed to expedite the tendering process. The Hon’ble Chairman issued directions regarding smooth and proper supply of electricity in far flung areas of Moungri, Panchari and Upper reaches of Basantgarh as demanded by various BDCs Chairpersons. In this regard, PDD Deptt. /District Administration to explore funding provision for improving/ augmenting the Power Scenario by filling the infrastructure gap. It was decided that proposal for Foot over Bridge at Tikri and Jakhani on National Highway be submitted to the National Highway Authorities for early construction of the same as demanded by the BDCs Chairpersons and President Municipal Council, Udhampur.

It was decided that the National Highways viz. NH-44 and NH– 244 should be beautified by developing viewpoints, green areas, parks, raising monuments enroute to these important Highways and Tunnels as per feasibility. The Chairman issued directions to the PMGSY and PWD while identifying the new roads projects under PMGSY network the same shall be vetted by the Members of PRIs and the CRF roads by the BDCs and DDCs. Further, officers of PMGSY and PWD were instructed to ensure quality work in all the projects and if the quality is not upto the mark, then the elected members of PRIs and ULBs shall bring the same into the notice of Deputy Commissioner.

DDC Chairperson, Lal Chand, Vice Chairperson, BDCs and PRIs appreciated the efforts made by District Administration for effective implementation of various centrally sponsored schemes in the district on ground. They projected several demands before the Chairman for consideration. The Hon’ble Chairman gave a patient hearing to their demands and directed the District Administration to take appropriate action to ensure that the genuine demands are projected and fulfilled well in time.

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