Significant infrastructural and security improvements have been promised by Union Minister Jitendra Singh in the Billawar area of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, which is plagued by terrorism. Two army brigades, one based in Sarthal and the other recently established in Rampur municipality, have been sent in response to a recent surge in terror occurrences.
The goal of this infrastructure development initiative is to improve cooperation between the military and the civilian government and provide 24-hour military monitoring. The district magistrate and the brigadier will be in constant communication to guarantee efficient surveillance and prompt handling of any security issues.
The construction of a mobile network in isolated locations—especially those outside of Lowang in the Bani region, which had been cut off from communication since independence—has also marked a significant advancement. After a new mobile tower was installed, the first mobile phone call was placed on Friday night. In addition to helping locals and students communicate more easily, this link allows the military to conduct real-time monitoring, which improves security in these remote locations.
Longstanding infrastructural demands are being met in addition to security measures. The home and defense ministries have accelerated the long-overdue expansion of the Dhar Road, which links the districts of Samba and Udhampur.
In light of recent tensions between India and Pakistan, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) will shortly turn this route over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for extension. This step is anticipated to improve regional development and security.
Regarding basic utilities, Singh stated that 55 Jal Jiwan Mission (JJM) plans have been approved to address the region’s severe drinking water deficit, with approximately 70% of the work finished at a cost of ₹131.55 crore. 14,875 families now have access to clean drinking water thanks to this. An extra 1,250 homes in Billawar town will soon have better access to water thanks to the AMRUT 2.0 initiative, which will cost ₹11.03 crore.
The local populace now feels safer and more confident because to these all-encompassing measures that include security, connection, and basic services. Singh also suggested developing a master plan for the Sukrala Mata temple, which would further boost local economic growth by seeing the area as a possible tourist destination similar to Mussoorie.
