Former ministers G. M. Saroori and Abdul Majeed Wani submit comprehensive memorandum to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha

• Seeking Chenab Hill Development Council, improved healthcare, education, tourism, employment, and disaster relief measures for Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban

JAMMU: Former Ministers G. M. Saroori and Abdul Majeed Wani on Monday called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha and submitted a comprehensive memorandum highlighting the long-pending developmental aspirations and public demands of the people of the Chenab Valley, comprising the districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban.

During the meeting, the two senior leaders urged the Lieutenant Governor to ensure focused intervention in key sectors, including road connectivity, healthcare, higher education, employment generation, tourism promotion, drinking water supply, and disaster rehabilitation. They emphasized that despite its immense hydropower potential, breathtaking tourism assets, and rich human resources, the Chenab Valley continues to face significant infrastructural deficiencies and developmental imbalances.

A key demand in the memorandum was the constitution of a dedicated Chenab Hill Development Council for Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban to facilitate integrated planning, ensure balanced regional development, accelerate infrastructure projects, and improve coordination among various government departments. The leaders said such a dedicated institutional mechanism would help bridge regional disparities and ensure the effective utilization of government resources.

The memorandum also called for the early execution of the strategically important Singhpora–Vailoo Tunnel and Sudhmahadev Tunnel projects. According to the delegation, these tunnels would provide all-weather connectivity between the Chenab Valley and Kashmir, significantly reduce travel time to Srinagar, serve as an alternative route for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, improve emergency accessibility during natural disasters, and substantially boost tourism, trade, and employment across the region.

Responding to the demand, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured the delegation that both the Singhpora–Vailoo Tunnel and Sudhmahadev Tunnel projects are progressing through the necessary procedural formalities. He stated that the required processes are expected to be completed by March 2027, following which both projects will be taken up for the tendering stage. He reiterated the administration's commitment to strengthening road connectivity in the Chenab region.

The memorandum further stressed the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure by upgrading Government Medical College Doda, District Hospital Doda, and District Hospital Kishtwar with advanced diagnostic equipment, intensive care units, trauma care facilities, ambulances, and other modern medical infrastructure. It also sought the immediate filling of all vacant posts of doctors, specialists, nurses, and paramedical staff to ensure that patients from remote areas are not compelled to travel outside the region for specialized treatment.

One of the delegation's major demands was the establishment of a Government Medical College at Kishtwar, citing the district's difficult mountainous terrain, long travel distances to tertiary healthcare institutions, and the increasing incidence of road accidents.

On this issue, the Lieutenant Governor gave a significant assurance, stating that whenever a new Government Medical College is sanctioned in Jammu and Kashmir, Kishtwar will be accorded the first priority. The leaders welcomed the assurance and described it as a major step towards strengthening healthcare services and medical education in the Chenab Valley.

The memorandum also sought administrative approval and adequate financial allocation for the Naigarh Tunnel Project, stating that it would provide a sustainable source of drinking water for Kishtwar town while simultaneously facilitating hydroelectric power generation and supporting future urban growth.

Highlighting the educational needs of the region, the delegation demanded the establishment of a Government Women's Degree College at Doda, along with new Government Degree Colleges at Dessa, Udyanpur, Kahara, Bunjwah, Gundana, and Marmat. They stressed that these institutions would improve access to higher education for students from remote areas, particularly girls, and help reduce dropout rates.

The leaders also urged the Lieutenant Governor to launch a special recruitment drive for the Jammu & Kashmir Police across the Chenab Valley to generate employment opportunities for local youth, strengthen public confidence, and encourage greater participation in public service.

Recognizing the region's immense tourism potential, the memorandum sought the reopening and promotion of tourist destinations, including Sinthan Top, Lal Draman, and Warwan Valley, after the necessary security assessment. It also recommended the development of roads, accommodation, wayside amenities, and visitor facilities to promote tourism, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the local economy.

The delegation further drew the Lieutenant Governor's attention to the devastation caused by recent and previous cloudbursts and flash floods in Doda and Kishtwar. They demanded the constitution of a high-level committee to assess the losses suffered by affected families and sought immediate compensation for damaged houses, agricultural land, and livestock. They also called for the priority restoration of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

During the interaction, the Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to the issues raised by the delegation and assured them 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.

Expressing satisfaction after the meeting, G. M. Saroori and Abdul Majeed Wani said they were hopeful that the assurances given by the Lieutenant Governor would soon translate into concrete action, accelerating the pace of development across Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban and improving the quality of life for thousands of people living in the remote and mountainous areas of the Chenab Valley.