Kathua Update

Katra Gets New Helipad Near Vaishno Devi Shrine

Katra, Jammu & Kashmir: In a major boost to pilgrimage infrastructure and connectivity, a newly constructed helipad at Katra was inaugurated by Honorable LG of J& K Shri Manoj Sinha in the presence of senior officials from BRO, Project Sampark, SMVD authorities and other dignitaries.
The helipad, measuring 100 x 75 metres, has been developed to improve accessibility for pilgrims visiting the revered Vaishno Devi shrine. The new facility is expected to significantly reduce travel difficulties and provide faster access to the pilgrimage destination.
Construction work on the project commenced on January 25 and was executed by 69 RCC, 35 BRTF under Project Sampark. The work had been assigned to Project Sampark by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVD).
Apart from the helipad, a 1,100-metre-long connecting road was also constructed as part of the project. The road includes proper drainage systems and protection works to ensure durability and safe connectivity.
The total cost of the project is estimated at around ₹16.4 crore. Officials stated that the newly developed infrastructure will enhance convenience for pilgrims and strengthen tourism and religious connectivity in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, dignitaries appreciated the efforts of BRO, Project Sampark and SMVD authorities in completing the project aimed at improving facilities for devotees visiting the holy shrine.
Along with katra Helipad, Shiv khori Helipad was also inaugurated.
Shiv khori helipad was upgraded to 35 x 35 meter size and other works including approach road, Pre-Fab structure and a 27 meter steel bridge at Shri Shivkhori Shrine Bhawan was also inaugurted by Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha in presence of shiv khori shrine board, Reasi District officials and Bro officials.

The total cost of the project is Rs. 5.91lakhs. The construction work is being getting executed by SSKSB through Bro 69 RCC, 35 BRTF, Project Sampark (GREF).
The heli service shall start from Katra to Shri Shivkhori to facilitate the pilgrims coming from all over the country.

DC Kathua holds Public outreach programme at Duggan, Assures resolution of Public issues

Kathua, May 21: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a Public Outreach Programme at Duggan, a remote block of Bani Sub-Division, to take first-hand appraisal of public grievances and developmental needs of the area.

The programme witnessed active participation from local residents, public representatives and members of various delegations who projected issues requiring immediate attention of the district administration.

During the interaction, the locals and public representatives highlighted several concerns including inadequate health and education infrastructure, non-operational JK Bank branch at Duggan, shortage of staff in various departments, demand for a Veterinary Hospital and an Allopathic Health Centre, pending road project compensation cases, development of a playground, restoration of irrigation canals, availability of agricultural inputs such as seeds and urea, upgradation of educational institutions and strengthening of power infrastructure in the area.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner reiterated the administration's commitment towards addressing public concerns and ensuring balanced development of remote and far-flung areas. He said that improvement in road connectivity and infrastructure remains a key priority and would significantly improve access to essential services and economic opportunities in the region.

The DC directed the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to ensure maximum outreach and benefits to the people of Bani and Duggan under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). He appealed to farmers and youth to avail benefits of horticulture, beekeeping and other livelihood generation schemes being implemented by the government.

Regarding the operationalisation of the JK Bank branch at Duggan, the DC assured that the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities to ascertain the reasons for delay and facilitate its early functioning. On the demand for a playground, he informed that the issue would be taken up with the Sports Council, while directions were issued to the education department to prepare proposals for strengthening educational infrastructure in the area.

The DC further informed that all land compensation cases related to developmental projects have been resolved except those pending due to disputes or litigation. He urged the youth to stay away from drug abuse and actively participate in the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan and Mission YUVA for constructive engagement and self-employment opportunities. He assured the public that all genuine demands raised during the outreach programme have been duly noted and would be examined for appropriate and timely redressal.

Responding to the issues raised during the programme, the Chief Agriculture Officer informed that a seed sale centre is already functional at Duggan and assured adequate arrangements for availability of urea despite supply constraints. He also encouraged farmers to adopt organic farming practices. The Assistant Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs informed that ration card bifurcation would be taken up after completion of Census 2027 activities.

The District Horticulture Officer apprised the gathering about various departmental schemes and interventions related to kiwi, walnut, beekeeping and other horticulture activities being implemented in the Bani-Duggan region. The Executive Engineer, PDD informed that a transformer for Vaisukhi Nag Mandir would be installed within a week and added that the proposal for creation of a PDD Sub-Division for Bani is already under consideration at the Secretariat level. The Assistant Labour Commissioner highlighted the benefits available under Mission YUVA and other departmental welfare schemes.

Later, the Deputy Commissioner also met several delegations and individuals and heard their grievances for appropriate action.

Among others, the programme was attended by IAS Probationer Nidhi, CPO Ranjeet Thakur, SDM Bani Sundeep Kumar and officers of various line departments.

*बसोहली के चिल्ड्रेन पार्क की दुर्दशा,लाखों की ओपन जिम मशीनरी हो रही कबाड़, रखरखाव के अभाव में बदहाल हुआ पार्क, स्थानीय प्रशासन और म्यूनिसिपल कमेटी पर लोग उठा रहे सवाल।