Doda, 07 April (H.S.): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today announced the establishment of a Doppler Weather Radar for Doda to strengthen weather forecasting capabilities and enhance disaster preparedness in the region.

The Minister stated that the Doppler Weather Radar will enable accurate and real-time monitoring of weather conditions. This will improve early warning systems and support disaster management efforts in the district, he added.

Dr Jitendra Singh was chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting alongside Member of Parliament Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo and MLA Doda West, Shakti Raj Parihar and the entire district administration at the DC Office Complex here to review the implementation and progress of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and key infrastructure projects in the district.

Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that the construction of the link road from Kalota and Humbal to National Highway-44 is to be taken up on priority being to improve connectivity and ease of transportation for the local population. He further stated that the road to the Mata Dedani Shrine is also being expedited, with directions issued to accelerate the pace of work to facilitate better access for devotees and promote religious tourism in the area. The Minister directed the authorities to repair the roads ridden with potholes at the earliest.

Dr Jitendra Singh also reviewed the status of infrastructure related to the medicinal and aromatic plants sector. During the meeting, Dr. Wahid, Technical Officer, J&K, Medicinal Plants Board, apprised that the Post Harvest Management Unit for Medicinal Plants at Kotli, comprising a marketing mandi, storage godowns, and drying sheds for medicinal and aromatic plants, is yet to be fully operational due to shortage of manpower. Taking note of the issue, the Union Minister directed that office space may be provided to local entrepreneurs engaged in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at High Altitude Medicine Centre Bhaderwah with necessary approvals from the Ministry of AYUSH in consultation with the District Administration.

The Union Minister called for efficient utilization of resources and removal of bottlenecks. He stressed the importance of effective inter-departmental coordination with local public representatives to ensure last-mile delivery of services. The Minister also reviewed the status of key road projects, including the Thathri–Doda road and Paryote road under National Highways, and directed authorities to ensure timely maintenance. Directions were issued to expedite restoration works on the Assar–Baggar road and maintenance of the Khellani–Marmat stretch.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar