Kishtwar

Why is in news? Kishtwar to be North India's major 'power hub'

• The Union Ministry of Science & Technology said that Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar will become North India’s major "power hub" generating around 6,000 MW of power after the completion of the ongoing power projects.
• The surplus power from Kishtwar will not only be utilised for other parts of the UT, but could also be availed by other States. The rich natural resources of Chenab were not exploited by the previous governments which ruled J&K for 60-65 years.
• The major projects that are undergone in the district is Pakal Dul with a capacity of 1000 MW, is the largest capacity project; Kiru Hydroelectric project with a capacity of 624 MW; Kwar Hydroelectric project with a capacity of 624 MW; Kirthai II Hydroelectric project; Dulhasti I&II power projects; etc.
• Under these projects, the government assured 100 percent reservation for locals in unskilled jobs for these projects and promised to give preference to local talent in skilled manpower requirements.
• The government also encouraged the youth to avail maximum benefit of the StartUp avenues under Aroma Mission which has already picked up in the neighbouring Bhaderwah and is seen as a hitherto unexplored source of livelihood.
• Through the revolutionary schemes like Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana, Jan Dhan, Ujjawala, Sauchalaya, PM Aawas, Har Ghar Jal, Har Ghar Bijli and Ayushman have reached every nook and corner of the country including in hilly and difficult terrains like Kishtwar.
• The people are getting the benefits of welfare schemes without any discrimination, unlike in the past, when appeasement policy was rampant, these welfare measures brought crores of people out of the clutches of abject poverty and gave them a life of dignity.
• The areas with unexplored potential like Kishtwar, North-East and other hilly regions will play a pivotal role in the next 25 years of India’s journey and these regions, rather than the saturated states, will propel India as a frontline nation in the world, when it celebrates 100th year of independence in 2047.
• Kishtwar district is a district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As of 2011, it is the largest and the least populous district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The Chenab river flows through the district, forming the Chenab valley in the southern areas of the district. The Marusudar river, a tributary of Chenab, also flows through the district.