Jammu, July 6: Former ministers Ghulam Mohammad (G.M.) Saroori and Abdul Majeed Wani on Monday met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and submitted a comprehensive memorandum highlighting the long-pending developmental aspirations of the Chenab Valley, comprising the districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban.
The delegation sought focused government intervention in road connectivity, healthcare, higher education, employment generation, tourism promotion, drinking water supply and disaster rehabilitation, stating that despite its vast hydropower potential, rich tourism assets and human resources, the Chenab region continues to face infrastructural deficiencies and developmental imbalance.
A major demand placed before the Lieutenant Governor was the constitution of a Chenab Hill Development Council for Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban to facilitate integrated planning, ensure balanced regional development, accelerate infrastructure projects and improve coordination among government departments.
The leaders also pressed for the early execution of the strategically important Singhpora–Vailoo Tunnel and Sudhmahadev Tunnel projects, stating that these would provide all-weather connectivity between the Chenab Valley and Kashmir, reduce travel time to Srinagar, serve as an alternative route for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, improve emergency access during natural disasters and significantly boost tourism, trade and employment.
Responding to the demand, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha informed the delegation that both tunnel projects are progressing through the required procedural formalities and are expected to reach the tendering stage by March 2027 after completion of the necessary processes. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening road connectivity in the Chenab region.
On healthcare, the memorandum sought the strengthening of Government Medical College Doda, District Hospital Doda and District Hospital Kishtwar by providing advanced diagnostic equipment, intensive care units, trauma care facilities, ambulances and other modern medical infrastructure. The delegation also demanded immediate filling of vacant posts of doctors, specialists, nurses and paramedical staff.
A key demand was the establishment of a Government Medical College in Kishtwar, citing the district’s difficult mountainous terrain, long travel distances to tertiary healthcare institutions and the rising incidence of road accidents.
In response, the Lieutenant Governor assured the delegation that whenever a new Government Medical College is sanctioned in Jammu and Kashmir, Kishtwar will receive the first priority. The assurance was welcomed by the leaders, who described it as a significant step towards improving healthcare services and medical education in the Chenab Valley.
The memorandum further sought administrative approval and adequate funding for the Naigarh Tunnel Project, stating that it would provide a sustainable drinking water source for Kishtwar town while also facilitating hydroelectric power generation and supporting future urban expansion.
Highlighting educational needs, the delegation demanded the establishment of a Government Women’s Degree College in Doda and new Government Degree Colleges at Dessa, Udyanpur, Kahara, Bunjwah, Gundana and Marmat to improve access to higher education, particularly for students from remote areas.
The leaders also urged the administration to launch a special recruitment drive for Jammu and Kashmir Police across the Chenab Valley to create employment opportunities for local youth and strengthen public participation in public service.
Recognising the region’s tourism potential, the memorandum called for the reopening and promotion of destinations such as Sinthan Top, Lal Draman and Warwan Valley after the necessary security assessment, along with the development of roads, accommodation, wayside amenities and other visitor facilities.
The delegation also highlighted the devastation caused by recent and previous cloudbursts and flash floods in Doda and Kishtwar, demanding the constitution of a high-level committee to assess losses, immediate compensation for affected families and priority restoration of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.
During the meeting, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha gave a patient hearing to the issues raised and assured the delegation that the concerns of the people of the Chenab Valley would be examined sympathetically. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to balanced regional development and assured that all genuine public demands would receive appropriate consideration in accordance with government policies and developmental priorities.
Speaking after the meeting, G.M. Saroori and Abdul Majeed Wani expressed hope that the assurances given by the Lieutenant Governor would soon translate into concrete action, accelerating development across Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban while improving the quality of life for people living in the remote mountainous areas of the Chenab Valley.
