Udhampur, Jan 18: MLA Udhampur East, R S Pathania on Sunday laid out a clear, firm and time-bound roadmap for infrastructure-led development of the region, reiterating that connectivity, safety and public convenience remained his foremost priorities.
Addressing public gatherings at various locations during his extensive tour of Talmara, Jaganoo, Thanoa, Dhanori, Sattani, Channi Morh and other adjoining habitations, Pathania stated that Dhar road was set to emerge as a major new lifeline of the Jammu province.
He informed that, following sustained follow-up and consistent support from fellow legislators and particularly from Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister, the Dhar road project reached an advanced stage of sanction and was expected to commence shortly.
Once completed, the road would transform the region into a hub of economic and social activity, providing seamless connectivity to remote habitations and strengthening regional integration, he said.
In another significant announcement, Pathania stated that Samba–Battal road stretch was entrusted to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). He emphasised that BRO’s involvement would ensure superior construction quality, systematic maintenance and periodic technical review, which was especially crucial for the pilgrim routes leading to Mansar and Surinsar that had long suffered due to neglect and poor access. Under BRO stewardship, these long-standing connectivity issues would be addressed decisively, BJP MLA said.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Dhar Road, the MLA pointed out that it also served as a Defence Road, critical for army movement and transportation of essential supplies towards Kashmir and Ladakh. He added that BRO already acquired a 75-feet Right of Way along major stretches, eliminating the need for further land acquisition and enabling swift execution. For residents living along its alignment, Dhar Road was not merely infrastructure but a daily lifeline, he noted.
Taking serious note of chronic waterlogging in villages including Sattani, Sountha and Channi Morh, Pathania directed GREF to implement a model drainage and water-management system to prevent stagnation and recurring hardships.
The Railways department was instructed to ensure that water discharge from railway culverts is properly regulated and confined within the Right of Way, so as to prevent flooding of public and private land.
The Irrigation and Flood Control Department was directed to submit a supplementary drainage plan, focusing on scientific diversion of spillovers into designated cavity nalas along the Dhar Road drainage system and ultimately into KV Nallah.
GREF was further instructed to immediately open all blocked drainage outlets to allow equitable flow of water on both sides of the road as part of a broader disaster-mitigation framework.
The Assistant Commissioner Revenue was tasked with identifying natural nalas and tracing their historical outflows as per revenue records to prevent future encroachments and obstructions.
At Dhanori, Pathania reviewed the status of the local Sports Stadium and directed the Sports Department to submit a detailed proposal for fencing and development of a multipurpose stadium, including open-air and indoor sports facilities.
He observed that the stadium held immense importance and could be effectively utilized by students, local youth, Army personnel and staff of the adjoining Military Hospital for sports and physical fitness.
Expressing concern over garbage dumping, overhead electricity lines and unnecessary interference by certain agencies, the MLA reiterated that no authority had the right to infringe upon public land or activities beyond demarcated boundaries.
