Deputy Chief Minister Reviews Industrial Progress and Flood Restoration in Kathua

Kathua, July 31, 2026 — Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary visited the Bhagthali Industrial Estate in Kathua district today to inspect ongoing infrastructure development and flood protection works.

Expressing concern over delays in executing projects worth around ₹60 crore being handled by IRCON, Choudhary directed officials to issue notices to the agency for missing its original 2025 timeline. He ordered a third-party audit of the executed works and set a final deadline of October 2026 for the completion of all pending projects.

During his visit, he also inspected operational units, including M/s Kandhari Beverages and M/s Chiripal Poly Films Limited, urging industrial management to prioritize local youth for employment through targeted skill development and placement initiatives.Later, the Deputy Chief Minister chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the status of 14 industrial estates being established across the district, alongside ongoing flood restoration efforts.

Officials reported that temporary connectivity has been restored on 46 out of 48 rain-damaged PWD roads, while 11 out of 15 irrigation and flood control projects have been completed. Choudhary instructed departments to expedite permanent road repairs, conduct scientific riverbed management along the Ravi River to prevent soil erosion, and enforce strict compliance with environmental, mining, and labor laws. Additionally, he called for expanded outreach under Mission YUVA to align student training with local industrial needs.