Minister Javed Ahmed Rana Reviews Development Progress in Kishtwar District and Proposes New Eco-Tourism Hub

KISHTWAR, APRIL 26: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, chaired a comprehensive review meeting in Kishtwar today to evaluate the progress of key developmental initiatives and engage with the local public.

Accompanied by Member of Parliament Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, MLA Shagun Parihar, and senior district officials, the Minister conducted a deep dive into vital sectors including the Jal Jeevan Mission, rural development, healthcare, power, and education.

During the session, he urged officials to accelerate project completion and improve public service delivery, emphasizing that administrative efficiency is paramount to the region’s growth.A major highlight of the visit was the Minister’s directive to develop the Kalamstar area into a premier eco-tourism destination.

Recognizing its untapped potential to generate local livelihoods, he instructed the Divisional Forest Officer to immediately prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the initiative. The Minister also addressed critical environmental concerns, ordering a strict ban on dumping construction waste into the Chenab River and Tasking the Pollution Control and Mining Departments with rigorous monitoring.

He further emphasized the need for slope stabilization during road construction to prevent ecological degradation.Regarding infrastructure and utilities, the Minister called for the swift electrification of 35 remote villages and the completion of the Khanwari Shalamar garbage dumping site.

He specifically directed the submission of a DPR for a new ₹2.75 crore lift water supply scheme for the Badhat area and expedited certification for the “Har Ghar Jal” initiative.

Later in the day, during a public interaction, the Minister listened to grievances regarding road connectivity, daily wager regularization, and water shortages in Kishtwar town, assuring the community that their concerns would be addressed through prompt departmental action.