Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today held a Public Darbar at Sukrala in Billawar, Kathua district, along with MLA Billawar Satish Sharma and senior officers of the district administration and various departments, to listen to public grievances and review key developmental issues concerning the region.
During the Public Darbar, several issues were resolved on the spot. The Minister interacted with local residents and public representatives and took up issues related to infrastructure, road connectivity, drinking water supply and other public services./ He directed the concerned authorities to examine the issues raised and pursue appropriate follow-up action for their timely resolution.
Highlighting major infrastructure initiatives in the region, Dr Jitendra Singh said that work on the Ujh Multipurpose Project was being taken up after nearly 100 years and that execution of the project would commence soon in a phased manner. The project is expected to be an important intervention in addressing the region’s water and development requirements.
The Minister also said that the process of four-laning of Dhar Road had been initiated after nearly 60 years since its construction. He added that repair work on road stretches damaged over the years, which had remained unattended for nearly half a century, had been taken up with immediate effect from the Udhampur side. The repair work would subsequently cover the stretches on the Billawar side as well.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the vital road link between Billawar and Bani, where a stretch of approximately five kilometres is held up due to pending forest clearance, was also taken up during the interaction. The Minister discussed the issue with the concerned authorities and called for an early resolution of the matter to facilitate progress on this important connectivity project.
Responding to complaints regarding drinking water supply, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the earlier Jal Jeevan Mission framework had been replaced by a new plan, which was under execution. He expressed hope that the ongoing efforts would help ensure drinking water supply to every household and asked the concerned departments to address the difficulties being faced by residents.
The Minister also reviewed the development of facilities in the premises of Mata Sukrala Temple. He said that construction work at the temple premises was being undertaken at an estimated cost of nearly ₹1 crore, contributed through the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), in convergence with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) of MLA Satish Sharma. The initiative aims to improve facilities at the prominent religious site.
Dr Jitendra Singh reiterated that direct interaction with the public was important for identifying local requirements and ensuring that grievances received appropriate attention. He stressed the need for coordination among the district administration and the concerned departments so that issues raised during the Public Darbar could be followed up in a time-bound manner.
During his visit to Sukrala, Dr Jitendra Singh also paid obeisance at Mata Sukrala Temple and sought blessings on the occasion of Navratri. He extended his greetings to the people and wished them peace, prosperity and well-being.
Earlier, Dr Jitendra Singh visited Hiranagar, where he participated in a public programme and highlighted the importance of preserving the historical legacy of the region. At the historic Jasmergarh Fort, he reiterated his commitment to undertaking the developmental works required in the area while preserving its heritage. He also paid obeisance at the Mahakali Temple located within the fort premises.
The Minister reiterated that public outreach, timely grievance redressal and coordinated efforts for infrastructure development would remain important components of his engagement with the people of the region.
