Centre Clears Ujh River Canal Project to Check Infiltration, Utilise Water Flow: Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today announced approval for a canal system on the Ujh River to check infiltration and utilise the uncontrolled water flow towards Pakistan, which, he said, has been cleared by both the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Chairing a review meeting with the administration on the developmental projects in Kathua district, the Minister reviewed fund allocations, flood damage assessments and ongoing infrastructure projects in the district.

He directed all departments to ensure timely implementation of projects, thorough damage assessments, and transparent utilisation of allocated funds.

He announced that a total of over 1,400 crore rupees has been allocated for Jammu and Kashmir, including 10 crore rupees for temporary repairs in Kathua, and minimal more than 2 crore rupees for each of the damaged public assets and structures, subject to assessment by the district administration. He said funds for restoration of permanent infrastructure would be provided by the respective departments.

Dr Singh emphasised that public representatives should conduct awareness campaigns in their constituencies to ensure proper utilisation of the allocated funds.

He directed the district administration to undertake proactive measures so that no affected person or area is left out.

He also instructed the Departments, including Power, PWD and Jal Shakti, to carry out a comprehensive assessment of flood-related damages, and submit fresh proposals within a week, in a mission mode, for consideration by the Government of India.

Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted key infrastructure initiatives in the region, including the widening of Dhar Road in Udhampur, which has been approved by the Ministry of Defence.

He directed the NHAI to expedite remaining work on the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway to meet timelines.

In the healthcare sector, the union Minister announced that radiation services will soon be operational at the Cancer Centre in Kathua, and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility has been sanctioned for Kathua Medical College, complementing the MRI services already available in Jammu, and providing advanced diagnostics for local patients.

During the review meeting, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Rajesh Sharma informed that temporary restoration works of public infrastructure, including roads, power supply and PHE services have been executed in the district.

Later the union Minister held a public durbar at Kathua as part of his sustained public outreach programme aimed at direct engagement with citizens in his Parliamentary constituency.

The initiative is intended to provide an accessible platform for the public to present their grievances and developmental concerns directly before the elected representative.

Addressing the media, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working with a firm resolve to ensure ease of living for every citizen and to improve their quality of life, irrespective of political affiliation, caste, creed, or geographical region.

He said that inclusive development and last-mile delivery of government services remain the cornerstone of the Prime Minister's governance model.

The Minister highlighted that, with the vision and guidance of Prime Minister Modi, Kathua has witnessed unprecedented development across multiple sectors over the last decade.

He said several first-of-its-kind projects have been initiated in the district, transforming it into an emerging centre of education, healthcare, connectivity, and economic activity.

Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that long-pending projects such as the Ujh Multipurpose Project and the Shahpur Kandi Dam, which had remained stalled for decades due to politics of discrimination, were revived after Prime Minister Modi assumed office.

He said these projects would not only contribute to regional development but also ensure effective utilisation of India's rightful share of water resources that continue to flow unutilised to Pakistan.

Emphasising future-oriented development, the Minister said Kathua is being positioned to become a hub of education as well as a centre of business and entrepreneurship in the coming years.

Dr Jitendra Singh also referred to the flood relief announced to mitigate the damage and losses suffered during recent floods in the border areas of Kathua and parts of Punjab.