Jammu/Kishtwar, April 26, 2026: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting at the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex in Kishtwar to assess the progress of key developmental initiatives across the district.
The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar, along with senior officers of the district administration.
District Development Commissioner Pankaj Sharma, through a detailed PowerPoint presentation, outlined sector-wise physical and financial progress under UT CAPEX, District CAPEX, NABARD, and other centrally sponsored and UT-level schemes.
Undertaking a comprehensive review, the Minister assessed the status of key sectors including the Jal Jeevan Mission, irrigation and flood control, forestry, rural development, healthcare, power, and education.
Stressing timely execution, Rana directed officers to strictly adhere to project timelines and enhance inter-departmental coordination to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient grassroots service delivery.
Highlighting environmental sustainability, the Minister called for intensified efforts towards water conservation and ecological protection. He instructed Divisional Forest Officers to coordinate closely with road construction agencies for slope stabilization to prevent environmental degradation.
A major highlight of the meeting was the announcement to develop Kalamstar as a prominent eco-tourism destination. The Minister directed the DFO Kishtwar to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) aimed at promoting eco-tourism and generating local livelihood opportunities.
In the Jal Shakti sector, Rana emphasized upgrading aging water supply schemes and expediting certification under the Har Ghar Jal initiative. He also directed submission of a DPR for a ₹2.75 crore lift water supply scheme for Badhat (Saroor) from Kandni Nallah.
Special focus was laid on improving water supply and irrigation infrastructure in underserved areas such as Badhat (Saroor), Tunder (Dachan), and adjoining regions to boost agricultural productivity and support rural livelihoods.
Reviewing progress under Samagra Shiksha, the Minister noted that 32 projects remain pending due to non-availability of land. He directed the administration to prioritize allocation of state land and explore the use of MGNREGA funds for land levelling to facilitate timely execution.
The Minister also instructed the Municipal Council Kishtwar to expedite completion of the garbage dumping site at Khanwari Shalamar, underscoring the importance of scientific waste management.
In the power sector, directions were issued to ensure electrification of 35 unelectrified remote villages and accelerate implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
Taking a firm stance on environmental protection, Rana directed the Pollution Control and Mining Departments to strictly monitor and prevent dumping of construction debris into the Chenab River by hydropower project agencies, warning of strict accountability in case of violations.
Additionally, he reviewed progress on the proposed Gujjar-Bakarwal hostel and directed early identification of suitable land for its construction.
Concluding the meeting, the Minister urged all officers to intensify efforts for timely completion of projects and improved public service delivery. He reaffirmed the Omar Abdullah-led government’s commitment to holistic, inclusive, and sustainable development across Jammu & Kashmir, including Kishtwar.
