Dr Jitendra, Omar jointly inaugurate multiple parking complex in Kathua

Minister for campaign against illegal mining, drug addictionAvtar BhatKATHUA, Apr 19: In a significant push for urban infrastructure, Union Minister in PMO with Independent charge of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the first-ever multi-level parking complex in the heart of Kathua town, marking a milestone in the region’s transformation from a relatively lesser developed town to a modern urban hub.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Addressing a packed gathering, Dr Jitendra Singh made an appeal to the people of Kathua to launch a mass campaign against illegal mining and drug addiction which is harmful to the future of the youth as well as society.Click here to watch videoDr Jitendra Singh reiterated the Government’s resolve to take tough action against the illegal mining, drug mafia and illegal crushers installed in Kathua district.

He said that illegal mining is not only posing a threat to flora and fauna but also the newly constructed bridges including over Rs 150 crore Kediyan Gandyal bridge over river Ravi which is being endangered.He said while mining mafia is posing a threat to ecology, the drug mafia is going to ruin the future of youth so society and Government needs to join hands to launch a massive awareness campaign against the same.Beyond infrastructure, Dr Jitendra Singh said illegal mining and drug abuse are social challenges, which, he said, are now being firmly addressed.



“Kathua’s name should no longer be linked with these issues. Let’s make it an example of a model town,” he urged, calling for a united fight involving civil society, administration and parents to protect the youth from the scourge of drugs.While celebrating the region’s development, the Union Minister reiterated the importance of sustaining it through civic responsibility and future planning.

“If our youth fall prey to addiction, who will drive the cars or sit in the Vande Bharat train? Who will serve their parents or benefit from these amenities?” he asked.He described the inauguration as a symbol of Kathua’s rapid urban evolution, underscoring how a town once unfamiliar with personal vehicles now demands structured car parking solutions. “There was a time when only three cars were visible in the entire city – one each belonging to the DC, SP, and Executive Engineer,” he recalled.

“Today, we are inaugurating a full-fledged parking facility because of the sheer number of private vehicles. This transformation also reflects the aspirational rise in recent years of this once-overlooked town.”Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah’s presence on the occasion, was hailed by Dr.

Jitendra Singh who hoped for closer Centre-UT cooperation. “His presence here should indicate the shared commitment of the Centre and UT to jointly develop Jammu & Kashmir under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Dr Jitendra Singh said.The Minister highlighted that the new parking facility is just one among several transformative projects that have changed Kathua’s landscape in the last decade.

From running Vande Bharat trains to upgrading the Kathua Railway Station, establishing three Medical Colleges in the constituency, launching a Biotech Park, and building an Engineering and Homeopathy College, the region has witnessed a sweeping change in public infrastructure.Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized that connectivity projects like the Express Corridor, which will soon enable direct travel to Delhi in five hours, are set to further boost mobility and economic prospects for the region. “When that happens, you’ll realize just how dramatically the picture has changed,” he said.

The inauguration ceremony also spotlighted completed landmark projects like the bridge at Kediyan-Gandyal, Maharaja Gulab Singh’s grand statue at the entrance to Jammu & Kashmir, and the setting up of a large stadium at Hiranagar with the BCCI support.Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged the role of Corporate Social Responsibility in developing facilities like Birla Park, which he invited the Chief Minister to visit during his morning walks.

As Dr. Jitendra Singh noted in his closing remarks, “Kathua is not just a town; it is a source of inspiration for the BJP and a living tribute to the sacrifices of national heroes like Syama Prasad Mukherjee.”With the new parking complex operational and more development in the pipeline, today’s inauguration stands as a testament to the town’s growing role in the region’s socio-economic revival, he said.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated that the progress and development of Jammu and Kashmir lies in cooperation between the J&K Government and the Central Government.The Chief Minister said, “From here, I want to convey to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the progress of Jammu and Kashmir lies in the fact that the J&K Government and the Central Government work together for the better future of Jammu and Kashmir.”He emphasized that providing essential services such as clean drinking water, electricity, better roads, healthcare, and education remains the foremost responsibility of his Government.

“I assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that we will continue to work in collaboration with the Central Government to ensure a better future for our citizens,” he added.Highlighting the importance of continuity in governance, Omar stated, “My priority is to complete the projects already underway and to maintain the ongoing momentum of development.”He also acknowledged the announcement of a major project by Dr Jitendra Singh in memory of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley.

“I assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that my Government will extend full support to the Union Government to realise this vision. We will build such world-class infrastructure that one day, instead of watching IPL matches on TV, people will watch them live in Jammu and Kashmir.”Urging citizens to make use of the newly inaugurated facility, he said, “Please use this parking complex-it ensures your vehicle stays clean and safe.

Let’s all benefit from this modern infrastructure.”The event was also attended by the Chairperson of the District Development Council, Col (retd) Mahan Singh, MLAs of Jasrota, Rajiv Jasrotia, MLA Kathua, Bharat Bushan MLA ,Hiranagar, Vijay Sharma and MLA Bani, Dr Rameshwar Singh, Commissioner / Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, Deputy Commissioner Kathua and other senior officials.The post Dr Jitendra, Omar jointly inaugurate multiple parking complex in Kathua appeared first on Daily Excelsior.

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