KATHUA, MAY 14: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar today conducted a whirlwind tour of Kathua district to inspect major infrastructure projects. He also chaired meetings to review the implementation of Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan and assess arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.
During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner inspected the progress of works on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and reviewed the pace of construction on various stretches. He held detailed discussions with the concerned officers and executing agencies regarding the roadmap for timely completion of the prestigious project and stressed the need for maintaining quality standards while ensuring adherence to deadlines.
He also visited different sections of the National Highway, including the ongoing reconstruction works of Sahar and Ravi bridges, which were damaged in last year’s floods. Assessing the restoration and strengthening works on these vital connectivity points, the Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned departments to expedite the pace of execution so that inconvenience to commuters and transporters is minimized.
The Divisional Commissioner further inspected the Lakhanpur Corridor and took stock of the beautification, traffic management and civic improvement measures being undertaken in view of the upcoming pilgrimage season. He emphasized coordinated efforts among all stakeholder departments to ensure smooth traffic flow, sanitation, illumination and overall better visitor experience at the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir.
Reviewing the preparedness for SANJY-2026, he stressed upon ensuring all essential amenities for pilgrims, including drinking water, sanitation, health facilities, security arrangements and proper traffic regulation. He directed the district administration and line departments to work in close coordination for seamless conduct of the Yatra and to ensure that all arrangements are put in place well in advance.
The Divisional Commissioner also chaired a meeting to take a comprehensive review of the progress made under Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan in Kathua district.
At the outset, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma briefed the Divisional Commissioner about the awareness and enforcement activities being carried out across the district to curb the drug menace. He informed that nearly 7,300 awareness activities have been conducted by different stakeholders during the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan.
While reviewing the campaign, the Divisional Commissioner laid special focus on maintaining proper track of dropouts from addiction treatment centres. He further stressed upon early identification of behavioural changes among students, with teachers playing the role of guardians and mentors in guiding them on the right path.
He further emphasized the need for strict vigil at border points to keep check on drug trafficking and called for proper mapping of vulnerable areas through active intervention of Mahila Nigrani Samitis involving Lambardars and Chowkidars for better community surveillance.
He also directed for wide dissemination of the local helpline number 01922-238796 along with the National Helpline 1800-212-2729 and Tele-MANAS helpline 14446 so that people can seek timely support and assistance.
The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the progress of digitization of revenue records and processing of ownership cases of West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs), Displaced Persons (DPs) of 1947, 1965 and 1971 in the district. He called for speeding up the assigned works and stressed upon ensuring error-free data entry and timely disposal of pending cases.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kathua, Mohita Sharma, DC State Taxes, Joginder Jasrotia, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Vishavjeet Singh, besides officers of National Highway Authority and other concerned departments accompanied the Divisional Commissioner during the visit.