![Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh receiving a memorandum from a youth delegation from district Doda, on Monday. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh receiving a memorandum from a youth delegation from district Doda, on Monday.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/page3-23.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Nov 26: In yet another development related milestone for Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency, the prestigious National Institute of High Altitude Medicine has been sanctioned for Bhaderwah in Jammu & Kashmir, and the foundation stone for the same will be laid on 15th of December, soon after the expiry of the ongoing Model Code of Conduct.
Disclosing this here today, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh thanked the Union Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, for having conceded the demand to set up the first-of-its-kind “Institute for High Altitude Medicinal Plants” (IHAMP), which will act as a “Centre of Excellence” for Research and Development of medicinal and aromatic plants found in the high altitude terrains of Himalayan region.
The Institute at Bhaderwah, Dr Jitendra Singh said, will attract scholars and researchers from across the Indian Subcontinent, because it will be specifically devoted to the promotion of specialized skills and capacity building, not only for devising healthcare modules from high altitude plants and herbs, but will also bring an upsurge in job opportunities and livelihood options for the entire region. The research outcomes from the studies undertaken in the Institute will be of particular relevance to all the Himalayan States of India, he added.
Enumerating other landmark Central projects for district Doda sanctioned during last four and a half years, Dr Jitendra Singh referred to three important road tunnels, including Chhattergalla tunnel to provide all weather connectivity to Banni Basohli and Lakhanpur, Kal Juggasa tunnel for connectivity to Himachal Pradesh and Sudhmahadev tunnel from Khilaini.
In addition, he said, virtually all the proposals regarding PMGSY and CRF road projects in the district had been cleared, with Bhaderwah Assembly constituency getting the record allocation of 110 crore Central Road Funds. Meanwhile, the Ganpath Bridge whose work had been delayed for a decade, has also been completed recently, he said..
From his MP-Fund, Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out, the projects sanctioned include Community Hall at Udhann, Bhaderwah in the memory of Late Shri Daya Krishan Kotwal, Community Hall at Ramlila Ground, Doda, Yatri Shed at Kalguni, School Bus for Navodaya Vidyalaya, Rs.40 lakh for village Humbal, 11 units of 25 KVA transformers and 10 units of 63 KVA transformers, etc.
Meanwhile, a delegation of youth from district Doda, led by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) activist, Aquib Mir met Dr Jitendra Singh today and handed over a memorandum, citing inputs and observations regarding the development activities in the district. The Minister assured them of continued Central support for the development of the hilly and peripheral areas under the Modi Government.