Govt says no delay in Mango Village project at Kathua, Jasrota

Umar Raina
Comments 0
07 Feb 2026

Jammu, Feb 06: The government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that there was no delay in planning, sanctioning or execution of the Mango Village project at Kathua/Jasrota, aimed at boosting the horticulture sector in the district. Replying to a question tabled by MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, the government said that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for establishment of the Mango Village was received on March 31, 2018, and subsequently approved vide Government Order No. 71-Horti of 2018 dated April 26, 2018, with a sanctioned cost of Rs 451 lakh. The work commenced immediately after approval. The House was informed that during the financial years 2018–19 and 2019–20, an expenditure of Rs 55.41 lakh was incurred on the project. “As such, there was no delay in preparation of the plan, sanction of the project or its execution,” the government clarified. Giving details of physical achievements, the government said that during 2018–19, area expansion covering 22.85 hectares was achieved and nine deep borewells were created. In 2019–20, an additional 19.45 hectares were brought under expansion, 10 deep borewells were constructed and three vermi-compost units were established. On steps taken to promote rainwater harvesting in Jasrota constituency, the government said farmers are being encouraged through subsidies and awareness measures. A 50 per cent subsidy (up to Rs 1.50 lakh project cost) is provided for rooftop rainwater harvesting structures under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). Additionally, a subsidy of Rs 150 per cubic metre, up to a maximum of Rs 90,000, is provided under MIDH and PDMC for water harvesting structures. The government further said that workshops, training programmes and awareness campaigns are regularly organized to educate farmers on the benefits of rainwater harvesting, including low-cost systems like rooftop harvesting and recharge pits. It was also informed that during 2025–26, nine beneficiaries in Jasrota constituency availed subsidies for installation of water harvesting structures under PMKSY and HADP, including four rooftop harvesting systems, five geo tanks and one water harvesting tank, which is under construction.