‘Devika Project getting finishing touches’
Avtar Bhat
UDHAMPUR, Dec 31: Union Minister in PMO with Independent charge of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh today said 2023 laid foundation for J&K’s leading role in India’s growth story.
Talking to reporters while carrying out an on-site review of the River Devika Rejuvenation Project here , the Union Minister said J&K is contributing to many success stories of India. Giving examples, he said the Aroma Mission started from here has been now adopted by Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh (HP), North Eastern State of Nagaland.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
Likewise the deposits of Lithium in Reasi district has attained country’s attention and highest rail bridge in the Reasi district in world has also become an attraction for researchers across the globe.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the other success stories of J&K including visit of over two crore tourists to Kashmir valley in over one year and one crore pilgrims to holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra of Jammu region are the other success stories of the J&K which will play a leading role in country’s growth story.
Giving full credit to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for the same, he said PM has given highest preference to J&K and its development and progress. He said the Mann Ki Baat of PM has become a popular programme and Modi is the only leader of the country who tied entire nation in a string.
He said PM’s Mann Ki Baat has become most popular programme in the country and every time he shares the new thoughts and ideas with the countrymen. Through this programme he reaches every part of the country and every segment of society, Dr Jitendra Singh added.
The Minister said that PM’s Mann Ki Baat has set a new tradition in the country and without political considerations he talks about development and progress (Vikas) and welfare of the people. He added that all welfare schemes launched by Modi are being implemented on ground to benefit common man without the consideration of caste, creed, colour, religion and region.
While carrying out an onsite review of river Devika Rejuvenation Project, he inspected the finishing touches in progress on the completion of Rs 190 cr Centrally funded Project which is the first of its kind river project in North India and was launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2019.
Dr Jitendra Singh’s visit to the project was to see the last minute finishing touches before it is dedicated to the nation, most likely by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in near future.
Built on the lines of ‘Namami Ganga’, the Project was launched by the Prime Minister in February 2019.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh said there had been a long pending demand for renovation, rejuvenation and beautification, but none of the earlier Governments paid any heed. He said, it was only after 2014 that this first of its kind river rejuvenation project was undertaken in North India on the lines of Namami Ganga.
During the over one-hour review, Chief Engineer, UEED, Engineers from the PWD and Irrigation Department, officials from the district administration and public representatives were among those present at the site.
The Minister directed officers of the PWD (R&B) and Municipal Council, Udhampur for ensuring dedicated feeder for uninterrupted power supply, besides maintaining cleanliness and beautification of the Ghat area.
Earlier, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the year 2023 has been historic for India on many fronts. It was in this year that India landed on the Moon and attained the Presidency of the G20. The world is now ready to be led by India, he asserted.
Dr Jitendra Singh was speaking to reporters after listening to the latest edition of Prime Minister’s monthly address to the nation through Mann Ki Baat at Saint Thomas’ Church here. He described the Mann Ki Baat programme as one of the many legacies of Prime Minister, Modi in the last ten years. He said Modi has been sharing his ideas on many pressing issues and highlighting other matters through his monthly broadcast on Akashvani to lead the nation in addressing them.
Dr Jitendra Singh urged everyone to play their part in realising Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047. In this regard, Dr Singh laid emphasis on maintaining personal fitness as stressed by the Prime Minister in today’s Mann Ki Baat. The Minister stated that fit and bodily sound citizens can channelise their energies to make India a developed nation.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, the basis for making “Viksit Bharat” has been laid in the outgoing year. Now, the youth have to work on solidifying that base during the upcoming 25-year journey in the run-up to the target year of 2047.
The Minister said India is all set to emerge as the fourth largest economy next year. Exuding confidence, Dr Singh said that during Prime Minister Modi’s third term in office, India would reach the milestone of becoming the 3rd largest economy of the world.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, the role of Jammu and Kashmir would be of great significance as India achieves such a feat. He added that many innovations and the best practices adopted by J&K in areas like agriculture and horticulture are now being replicated in other Northern States like Uttarakhand.
BJP vice president and senior leader Pawan Khajuria and other party leaders were also present in the meeting.
Later during a review meeting with officers of the district administration and UEED in the town, Dr Jitendra Singh said all the “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” schemes as well as all the flagship schemes of Government of India are nearing 100 % saturation in district Udhampur. During the meeting, he also took a brief review of projects under PMGSY, PWD (R&B), RDD and Urban department.
Besides, the Minister also appreciated the performance of the PMGSY and Rural Development Department (RDD) in the district for their top performance in the PMGSY road connectivity and expenditure and works completion under Area Development Plan
He also held interaction with BDCs, DDCs, ex-Councillors of MC Udhampur, PRIs and prominent citizens. During the interaction various issues and demands were projected, upon which the Minister issued instructions to the concerned officers of the district for early resolution and redressal.
Thereafter, the Minister also visited the Devika Ghat. During the visit, the Minister directed officers of the PWD (R&B) and Municipal Council Udhampur to ensure a dedicated feeder for uninterrupted power supply, besides maintaining cleanliness and beautification of the Ghat area.
Chief Engineer UEED apprised the Minister that a comprehensive plan for addressing the issues of dredging and allied works can be covered under AMRUT 2.0 by the I & FC Department. He further advised the district administration and I &FC to further follow up the matter with the concerned quarters for early sanction of the project.
He also held a detailed review of the important projects being executed by the PMGSY, PWD (R&B)/NABARD, RDD, Urban Local Bodies, besides, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra programme in the district. During the meeting the concerned officers of the district apprised the Minister about the current status of the various roads and other development projects.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
