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Doda to get Automated Weather System; Kishtwar Seismic Research Centre

  • Abid Bashir By Abid Bashir
  • Comments 0
  • 08 Apr 2026

Dr Jitendra Singh unveils roadmap of science-driven development Infra revival, farmer-centric innovation in Chenab Valley; new tenders for Sudh Mahadev on cards

Doda, Apr 07: The long wait for the people of Chenab Valley is over as Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced an Automated Weather System (AWS) for Doda and a Seismic Research Centre (SRC) for Kishtwar district.

Both districts are vulnerable to flash floods and earthquakes. Reviewing ongoing development works in both districts, Dr Singh chaired a high-level meeting attended by legislators Shagun Parihar and Shakti Raj Parihar, Member of Parliament Sajjad Kichloo, senior officials, and members of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA). The discussions spanned infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and new scientific initiatives aimed at securing the region’s future.

Speaking to reporters later, Dr Singh acknowledged the ecological sensitivity of Doda and Kishtwar, noting that both districts fall within flood-prone and seismically active zones. “These are the realities we cannot ignore,” he said, underlining the need for preparedness rooted in modern technology. “An automated weather station will be installed in Doda to strengthen real-time monitoring and early warning systems, an intervention that could prove critical in mitigating disaster risks,” he said.

The Minister’s remarks resonate in a region that has witnessed the fury of nature repeatedly. Over the years, cloudbursts and flash floods have caused widespread damage across the Chenab Valley. In Kishtwar, sudden surges in mountain streams have washed away roads, damaged homes, and disrupted livelihoods, while in Doda, heavy rains have triggered landslides and flooding, cutting off remote villages and straining already fragile infrastructure. These recurring disasters have not only caused economic losses but have also underscored the urgent need for scientific forecasting and resilient planning.

In a significant announcement, Dr Singh said the government is planning to establish a Centre for Seismological Research in Kishtwar district. Positioned in a high seismic zone, Doda and Kishtwar often experience tremors, making such a facility vital for studying tectonic activity and improving earthquake preparedness.

Beyond disaster mitigation, the Minister outlined a forward-looking development agenda. He announced the establishment of a High-Altitude Himalayan Centre in Doda, envisioned as a hub for research and innovation in mountain agriculture. The initiative is expected to empower local farmers with advanced techniques, diversify crop options, and enhance productivity in challenging terrains.

Infrastructure development also featured prominently in the review. Dr Singh assessed the progress on key projects, including National Highway 244 (Khellani to Gool stretch), vital link roads, and the strategically important Sudh Mahadev tunnel. He acknowledged past delays, noting that tenders for certain projects had to be cancelled due to security concerns. However, with improved conditions, he said the process would soon be revived to ensure timely completion.

Holding the portfolios of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Singh said that development in regions like Doda and Kishtwar must be both inclusive and adaptive. “Our approach is not just to build, but to build smartly, keeping in mind the unique challenges of the terrain,” he said.

As the Chenab Valley continues its journey from vulnerability to resilience, Tuesday’s visit marked more than just a routine review. It signaled a renewed commitment to harmonising development with nature, ensuring that progress in these mountainous districts is sustainable and enduring.

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