Kishtwar, Nov 11: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy & Department of Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that Kishtwar district is poised to become North India’s major “power hub”, generating an impressive 6,000 MW of power upon the completion of ongoing power projects.
During an extensive tour of the remote and peripheral areas of Kishtwar, Dr Jitendra visited Gulabgarh in the Paddar area and inaugurated a new school established by “Shiksha Bharti” for the children of the village Massu. The Union Minister, also a renowned physician and diabetologist, actively participated in a Multi-Speciality Medical Camp organized by the Indian Army in the village Gulabgarh.
Addressing the media and engaging with the public in remote villages Massu and Gulabgarh, Dr Singh highlighted the unprecedented development in the region. He stated that in the past 9 to 10 years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the area has witnessed the establishment of 6 to 7 major hydro power projects. The largest among them, the Pakal Dul project with a 1000 MW capacity and the Kiru Hydroelectric project with a 624 MW capacity, are both expected to be completed by 2025.
Additionally, the revival of the 850 MW Ratle project, as a joint venture between the central government and the Union Territory of J&K, has been a significant milestone. Dr Jitendra emphasized that these projects not only address the power shortage in J&K but also provide substantial opportunities for local employment, thus boosting the region’s socio-economic landscape.
The union minister reflected on the neglect Kishtwar faced for decades due to vote bank politics, emphasizing that the Modi government has prioritized the region’s development. He cited examples such as the establishment of a degree college in Paddar and the improved road connectivity, reducing travel time from Jammu to Kishtwar from over 7 hours in 2014 to less than 5 hours today. Furthermore, Kishtwar has gained prominence on the aviation map with the approval of an airport under the UDAAN Scheme.
Addressing the health needs of the region, Dr Singh lauded the Indian Army’s efforts in organizing a Multi-Speciality Medical Camp in Gulabgarh, providing medical care to nearly 2,000 patients. He expressed gratitude to the Army for their unwavering support during times of turmoil and their continued service during peacetime.
