DODA, APR 7: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh today announced the establishment of a Doppler Weather Radar in Doda to strengthen weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in the region.
Chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting at the DC Office Complex, Dr. Singh said the Doppler Radar would enable accurate, real‑time monitoring of weather conditions, improve early warning systems, and support disaster management in the district. The meeting was attended by MP Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, MLA Doda West Shakti Raj Parihar, and the full district administration.
The Minister directed authorities to prioritise construction of the Kalota–Humbal link road to National Highway‑44 and to speed up work on the road to the Mata Dedani Shrine to boost connectivity and religious tourism. He also ordered immediate repair of pothole‑ridden roads and regular maintenance of key stretches, including Thathri–Doda, Paryote, Assar–Baggar, Khellani–Marmat, Sudhmahadev Tunnel, and Chattergal Tunnel.
On the medicinal and aromatic plants front, the Union Minister called for filling manpower gaps in the Kotli Post‑Harvest Management Unit and suggested allotting office space under a PPP model at High Altitude Medicine Centre Bhaderwah, in coordination with the Ministry of AYUSH. He urged efficient use of resources and stronger inter‑departmental coordination for last‑mile delivery of services.
In the education and health sectors, he directed timely filling of vacant posts, including the Principal’s position at KV Jodhpur, and stressed a coherent policy to address staff shortages in healthcare.
Dr. Singh also inaugurated three PMGSY roads: Thathri–Chira (19 km, ₹9.28 crore), Goila Morh–Trankal (5 km), and Puneja–Bhalara (9 km), that will benefit 7,151 people. The meeting reviewed progress of ongoing developmental works and flagship schemes across health, education, roads, power, rural development, forest, agriculture, Jal Shakti, and employment, with District Development Commissioner Krishan Lal giving a sector‑wise status presentation.
