Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today urged to put an end to illegal mining and encroachments to prevent future landslides related catastrophes. He was chairing a meeting with district administration and representatives of various departments in Udhampur to review the situation arising out of recent heavy rains and to take stock of the ongoing restoration efforts.
Referring to Keerian Gadiyal bridge the minister said that two years back the builder of the bridge had raised the concern that the bridge will get eroded soon, because of the illegal mining. Also today at the sight of national highway the blockade in Kathua, regional officers of NHAI highlighted that out of 15 frames of the bridge, only two had remained functional. Because, other 13 had been eroded and that led to the caving down of the bridge. The minister highlighted that this is now the responsibility of the society and of the, elected representatives to check the illegal mining. "It is high time for everyone of us to abide by the pledge to avoid illegal mining and encroachment and move further from the rhetoric of I will not indulge and I can only a appeal to others.
The minister highlighted that the Devika project which was launched with the personal intervention of the Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and at the time of launching, he had said that it does not belong to any particular political party or religion. It's a matter of faith for the people of local.
Reviewing the situation caused by heavy rains, the Minister complimented the district administration, ground workers, police, and civil society for their swift response. He appreciated the timely decision of the administration and police to block the National Highway at vulnerable points and for issuing a red alert in time.
Dr. Singh was informed that essential services, including road connectivity, power, and water supply, were being restored on top priority. The Minister was informed that a team from the Airport Authority of India recently visited Udhampur to in connection with an airport in the district. Based on the assessment, it was indicated that civil flight operations could potentially commence within a period of 8 to 16 months, subject to the completion of requisite approvals and infrastructure development.
The minister was informed by the District Administration and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) that restoration of essential services on the National Higway will be done by this evening. He also instructed the District Commissioner to prepare a comprehensive plan for funds required to restore and strengthen water infrastructure, reiterating that there is no limitation of funds for such critical works.
Marking National Sports Day on the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, Dr. Singh announced that from today until the end of October, a series of sporting events will be organised across the district. He was informed by the officials that registrations for competitions will remain open till September 27 through both online and offline modes and the competitions will be held both at Panchayat and Municipal levels.
Earlier, the Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh personally visited the on-ground sites at Jakhain in Udhampur where a bridge collapsed and severe road damages occurred due to the recent spell of heavy rains in the region. Dr. Singh took firsthand stock of the situation, inspecting the damaged bridge and adjoining road infrastructure, which has disrupted connectivity and affected the movement of local residents. He interacted with officials from the district administration and NHAI who were present at the spot to review the immediate relief and restoration measures being undertaken.
Dr. Singh assured the people of Udhampur that the Union Government stands by them in this hour and all possible support will be provided to ensure safety and speedy recovery in the aftermath of the heavy rains.