JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a high-level virtual review meeting to assess the overall developmental scenario of Doda district, with emphasis on expediting key infrastructure projects, strengthening irrigation facilities, improving road connectivity and ensuring optimal utilisation of allocated funds.

MLA Doda, Shakti Raj Parihar and MLA Bhaderwah, Daleep Singh Parihar, District Development Commissioner, Doda, Krishan Lal besides district officers attended the meeting. The Minister directed the officers to ensure timely completion of all ongoing works and stressed strict adherence to quality standards during project execution. He emphasized outcome based monitoring and called for intensified efforts in sectors witnessing slow progress.

The District Development Commissioner briefed the Minister about the physical and financial achievements of the district. He presented the ongoing status of various developmental works and projects being executed by different departments.

He informed that under District Capex, a total of 2432 works have been taken up across various departments and sectors, of which, 1625 have been completed achieving an expenditure of 71 percent, so far. Under the Rural Development Department (RDD), 2272 works had been taken up during 2025-26, of which, 1656 have been completed till date.

Reviewing the department wise progress, the Minister was informed that under the Jal Shakti Department, 52 works have been taken up, of which, 36 have been completed. The Public Works Department has undertaken 245 works with 99 completed, so far. Similarly, 52 works have been taken up by the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited, of which, 18 stand completed.

Taking stock of the progress under the centrally sponsored Jal Jeevan Mission, the Minister was apprised that 212 schemes have been taken up in the district, of which, 122 have been completed while the remaining are at various stages of execution.

 Stressing the need to achieve Har Ghar Jal certification, he directed the officers to expedite completion of all pending schemes to ensure assured tap water supply to every household.

The Minister also reviewed the status of major ongoing projects in the district. It was informed that the Government Medical College Doda and its Associated Hospital, being constructed at  cost of ā‚¹164.9 crore, has achieved 75 percent physical progress. The work on the  multistorey car parking at Doda has also achieved 75 percent physical progress. 

The Minister also reviewed the progress on road connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. It was informed that under PMGSY, a total of 179 schemes have been taken up, targeting connectivity to 258 habitations in the district.

Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, it was informed that 3,122 applications have been received in the district, of which, 822 rooftop solar systems have already been installed.

Other key projects reviewed included construction of a shopping complex, development of the Chenab riverfront, widening of National Highway-244 and other critical infrastructure initiatives. The Minister directed the officers to hold weekly review meetings for close monitoring and timely completion of these projects.

During the meeting, the MLAs highlighted various issues pertaining to their respective constituencies and sought Minister’s intervention for their redress. The Minister assured that all genuine issues would be examined on priority and necessary directions would be issued to the concerned departments for their prompt resolution.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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