Doppler Weather Radar to Be Installed in Doda; Fresh Tender Soon for Sudhmahadev Tunnel Says, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

Doppler Weather Radar to Be Installed in Doda; Fresh Tender Soon for Sudhmahadev Tunnel Says, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

Doda, Apr 7: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced the installation of a Doppler Weather Radar in Doda to strengthen weather forecasting and improve disaster preparedness in the district.

The announcement was made during a meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee held at the DC Office Complex in Doda.

Dr Singh said the radar system will enable real-time monitoring of weather conditions, helping authorities issue timely warnings and respond more effectively to natural disasters.

“The Doppler Weather Radar will significantly enhance early warning systems and support disaster management efforts in the region,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, MLA Doda West Shakti Raj Parihar, and senior district officials. The minister reviewed the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes and key infrastructure projects.

He also highlighted that the proposed link road from Kalota to Humbal on National Highway 44 will be taken up on priority to improve connectivity in the area.

Work on the road leading to the Mata Dedani Shrine is being expedited, he added, with directions issued to speed up construction to facilitate better access for devotees and boost religious tourism.

During the review of the medicinal and aromatic plants sector, officials informed the minister that a post-harvest management unit at Kotli remains partially non-functional due to manpower shortages. Taking note, Dr Singh directed that space be provided to local entrepreneurs under a public-private partnership model at the High Altitude Medicine Centre in Bhaderwah, subject to approvals from the Ministry of AYUSH.

He stressed the need for better coordination among departments and efficient use of resources to ensure delivery of services at the grassroots level.

The minister also reviewed progress on the Chattergal Tunnel project and called for early submission of its detailed project report. Addressing concerns over the Sudhmahadev Tunnel, he clarified that work has not been halted but that the earlier tender was cancelled due to security concerns. A fresh tender will be issued soon, he said.

On education, Dr Singh directed officials to fill vacant posts, including that of principal at a Kendriya Vidyalaya in the district, within a fixed timeline.

On the occasion, the minister inaugurated three roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, including the Thathri to Chira stretch, along with roads connecting Goila Morh to Trankal and Puneja to Bhalara. Officials said the projects will benefit over 7,000 residents.

The meeting also reviewed the status of various ongoing development works across Doda district.