Congress leader meets Lt Governor Manoj Sinha; submits detailed memorandum on public grievances and development issues of Chenab Valley

• Saroori seeks formation of Chenab Valley Hill Development Council, improvement of infrastructure, promotion of education and healthcare, and special relief package for disaster-hit areas

JAMMU: Former Minister and senior Congress leader J&K, G. M. Saroori called on the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting the developmental priorities and public grievances of the Chenab Valley region. Saroori urged the administration to take immediate measures to ensure equitable development, stating that despite its rich natural resources, the Chenab Valley remains underdeveloped and neglected.

During his meeting with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, G. M. Saroori expressed serious concern over the long-standing neglect of the Chenab Valley—comprising the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban—and emphasized the need for targeted policy interventions. He called for the creation of a Chenab Valley Hill Development Council on the pattern of Ladakh and Pir Panjal Councils to ensure fair representation and localized planning.

Saroori urged the government to implement the Memorandum of Understanding guaranteeing free electricity within a five-kilometre radius of the Dul Hasti Power Project in Kishtwar, as agreed earlier. He also demanded the immediate resumption of work on the Singhpora–Vailoo and Sudhmahadev tunnel projects, which would connect Chenab Valley with Anantnag, offer an alternate route for the Amarnath Yatra, and enhance regional connectivity and trade.

The former minister further pressed for granting Pahari status to residents of Chenab Valley, similar to the Pir Panjal region, ensuring equal access to government benefits and reservations. He also stressed the need for expediting the establishment and operationalization of a Government Medical College in Kishtwar, citing acute shortages of medical infrastructure and specialist doctors in the district.

In the education sector, Saroori demanded the sanctioning of new Government Degree Colleges for Bunjwah (Kishtwar) and Kahara (Doda) and the completion of the Government Degree College building at Chatroo, which requires minimal work. He also urged the Education Department to launch a special central package for the repair and upgradation of unsafe schools, particularly in remote areas such as Sigdi, Inderwal, Gurinal, Sarthal, Warwan, Tatani Saroor, and Kontwara.

He also underscored the urgent requirement for Permanent Fire Brigade Services in areas such as Chatroo, Warwan, Bunjwah, and Kahara, which face high fire risks due to the absence of permanent firefighting units and delayed emergency response. Saroori noted that sanctioning dedicated fire brigades in these regions would help protect lives, property, and infrastructure, ensure timely emergency response, and enhance overall disaster preparedness. He urged the government to take immediate action in this regard.

Highlighting the need for modern connectivity, Saroori appealed for the speedy completion of fibre-optic network work in Marwah and Warwan, along with better roads, electricity, water supply, and healthcare facilities across the Chenab Valley. He also proposed a special police recruitment drive for border and remote areas to generate employment and strengthen local representation in the forces.

The memorandum additionally sought an immediate relief and rehabilitation package for areas affected by flash floods, cloudbursts, and heavy rainfall, including Chasoti (Padder), Chatroo, Mugalmaidan, Bunjwah, Margi (Warwan), and Chabba (Kahara).

Saroori asserted that despite its strategic location and abundant natural resources, the Chenab Valley continues to lag behind in development due to administrative neglect. He requested the Lt Governor’s personal intervention to address these genuine demands and ensure balanced regional growth. Lt Governor gave a patient hearing and assured that necessary directions would be issued to the concerned departments for appropriate action.