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Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday called for the acceleration of ongoing hydropower projects in Kishtwar, which are expected to generate 8,000 MW of electricity, positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a major power hub in North India. Singh, who serves as the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, also announced plans to establish a saffron park in Kishtwar.
Singh chaired a meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA), which was attended by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan, local MLAs, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, and district officers. During the meeting, the minister urged the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) to train local unskilled laborers to enhance their employability through specialized skill development programs.
"The NHPC should focus on capacity building of local unskilled labor to boost their employability for projects requiring specific skills and training," Singh stated.
In addition to hydropower projects, Singh reviewed key connectivity initiatives and emphasized the need for expedited construction of an airstrip under the UDAN scheme to improve accessibility in Kishtwars challenging terrain.
Addressing a separate meeting with BJP workers, Singh criticized previous governments for neglecting Kishtwar and halting crucial projects such as the 850 MW Ratle hydroelectric power project. He issued instructions for speeding up the completion of hydropower plants, noting that once operational, they would contribute significantly to the regions electricity generation, with a total output expected to reach 8,000 MW. He stressed that this would position Kishtwar as a leading power hub, potentially the largest in North India.
Singh also praised the BJPs leadership in Kishtwar, highlighting the party’s strong performance in both the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He credited the success to the sacrifices and hard work of the party’s previous generations of leaders and workers.
The minister underscored the importance of collaboration between public representatives and departments like Roads & Buildings (R&B) to ensure the timely execution of key initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the Jal Jeevan Mission.
In order to increase transparency, Singh directed the district administration to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for sharing information with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) during field visits and incorporating their inputs in project implementation.
Addressing environmental concerns, Singh instructed officials to closely monitor environmental clearances for infrastructure projects and adopt best practices to protect public health and the environment. He also proposed a uniform policy for civil servants, requiring teachers and doctors to provide compensation if they leave their posts without following proper procedures.
Singh concluded by calling for mass awareness campaigns to promote government schemes and stressed the need to encourage sports through the Sansad Khelkud Spardha, while also marketing local products such as cumin seeds and saffron. |
