Jubbal to get drinking water boost by September: Education Minister

Education Minister Rohit Thakur today announced that the Lift Drinking Water Scheme from the Pabbar river, a transformative project for the Jubbal region, will be completed and inaugurated by September. Addressing the public at Sari Gram Panchayat in the Jubbal-Nawar-Kotkhai Legislative Assembly Constituency, he said the Rs 38 crore project will benefit nearly 28 panchayats, including Sari, resolving long-standing drinking water challenges.

He further said a lift irrigation scheme, costing Rs 3.22 crore, is also under implementation to support orchardists and farmers in the area, particularly benefiting villages under the Sari panchayat.

Earlier in the day, the minister inaugurated a newly constructed Panchayat Ghar in Sari village and a Community Centre in Maghara, both under the Jubbal sub-division, with the latter built at a cost of Rs 33 lakh.

Highlighting the long wait for the Maghara centre, he said, “The construction of this community centre was pending for nearly 15 years due to a lack of funds. Thanks to the present government’s proactive approach, the work has been completed. Over the last two years, around Rs 20 lakh has been allocated for this project.”

Thakur announced that the government has sanctioned the construction of 20 community centres across the Jubbal-Nawar-Kotkhai region. Several of these have already been completed and all will follow the Maghara model, making them accessible venues for social activities, Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals and community groups.

He also revealed that at least Rs 400 crore is being spent on road development across the constituency. Among the key projects is the Khadapathar-Patsari road, being upgraded under PMGSY Phase III at a cost of Rs 18 crore. “Roads are lifelines in hilly areas. Strengthening road connectivity is a top priority of the state government,” he emphasised.

He added that 136 roads have been approved in the constituency under the current government, including four roads specifically for the Sari panchayat.