DODA: In a significant development for Doda district, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced the establishment of a Doppler Weather Radar to enhance weather forecasting and disaster management capabilities. The new radar will enable real-time monitoring of weather conditions, providing accurate early warnings to safeguard local communities.
Dr. Singh made the announcement during a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held at the DC Office Complex, where senior officials, MP Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, MLA Shakti Raj Parihar, and district administrators reviewed ongoing projects and schemes. He emphasized that the Doppler Radar would be a crucial tool in disaster preparedness and response strategies.
The Minister also addressed infrastructure issues, highlighting the urgency of completing key connectivity projects. He stated that the construction of the link road from Kalota to Humbal along National Highway-44 will be prioritized to improve transportation for residents. Additionally, he directed officials to expedite work on the road leading to Mata Dedani Shrine, aiming to facilitate easier access for devotees and promote religious tourism in the area. Repairing potholes on existing roads was also emphasized.
Further, Dr. Singh reviewed progress in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector. He noted that the Post-Harvest Management Unit at Kotli, which includes a marketing mandi, storage godowns, and drying sheds, remains non-operational due to manpower shortages. To address this, he directed the creation of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for establishing a Post-Harvest Management Unit at the High Altitude Medicine Centre in Bhaderwah, with approval from the Ministry of AYUSH.
The Minister urged effective resource utilization and inter-departmental coordination, especially with local representatives, to ensure the timely delivery of services. He reviewed ongoing road projects such as Thathri–Doda and Paryote under national highways, instructing authorities to accelerate maintenance and restoration works on roads like Assar–Baggar and Khellani–Marmat.