CS reviews major developmental works

Jammu, Mar 7: The Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta Wednesday urged the departments to speed up the execution of the developmental works in order that the intended project benefits are delivered to the people, ushering in ease of living.
The Chief Secretary said that the likely completion of around 40,000 developmental works during the ongoing fiscal year is a testament to the fact that equity and transparency in governance in the long run improves expenditure outcomes/efficiencies.
Dr. Mehta made these comments in a meeting held to review the developmental projects of various departments in which senior secretaries and sectoral heads of the government were present.
Principal Secretary, PWD, Shailendra Kumar informed that all issues relating to the construction of government medical college, Anantnag have been resolved and the medical college will be ready for hand over to the health and medical education department by March 31st, 2022.
Shailendra said that the construction works in GMC, Baramulla, are continuing apace and expected to be completed by March 31st, 2022.
Speaking about the progress of the construction of works in GMCs Doda, Kathua & Rajouri, he said construction of these medical colleges has been expedited and all efforts will be made to make these colleges fully functional as early as possible.
The Chief Secretary directed the department to ensure that construction works in GMC, Anantnag and GMC, Baramulla are completed by March 31st and the colleges handed over to the Health and Medical Education Department.
He further directed the department to ensure that works on other three medical colleges are also expedited and finished well before the revised set timelines.
Saying that Semi Ring Road, Jammu and Jammu-Akhnoor road are important arterial roads for ensuring smooth traffic flow in and around Jammu district, Dr. Mehta said execution of these projects needs to be expedited and urged the department to regularly monitor the progress of these projects.
The Chief Secretary directed the department to expedite the construction of Chenani-Sudhmahadev Road, saying that once the road is fully functional, it will facilitate easy and convenient access to both local/non-local tourists to Mantalai, an upcoming tourist destination.
It was informed that Watalbagh Basipora Bridge and Nallah Vishno Ashimuji Bridge will be fully constructed by 31st March, 2022 and 30th May, 2022 respectively.
Once fully functional, Watalbagh Basipora Project will reduce the travel time by one hour and Nallah Vishno Ashimuji project will reduce the travel time by 30-45 minutes.
The Chief Secretary expressed satisfaction at the potential project benefits and directed the department to ensure that these projects are completed as early as possible.
Dr. Mehta asked the department to make Jablipora Mandi fully functional by September 2022 and also ensure that all construction works in Narwal Mandi are completed by 31st March, 2022.
He asked the department to expedite and finish the works in the Sheep Breeding Farm Khimber, Srinagar by June, 2022.
Principal Secretary, Sports Alok Kumar informed that all the construction works at Bakshi Stadium have been completed and the Stadium is now fully functional for sports activity.
He further informed that the Indoor Stadium, Srinagar is also being readied shortly.
The Chief Secretary directed the department to ensure that the Indoor Stadium is made fully functional immediately, especially as its financing issues have been addressed.
CEO, ERA, Dr Abid Rashid informed that the drainage works in Srinagar will be completed by June 2022. The Chief Secretary directed the CEO, ERA to ensure that entire gamut of drainage works is completed by 31st May, 2022.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the implementation of PMAY(G) with Commissioner/Secretary, RDD and all DDCs and urged for early registration/geo-tagging of the registered houses for speeding up payments under PMAY(G) to the eligible beneficiaries.
Highlighting the crucial role of the people in the process of development, Dr. Mehta urged DCs to set aside 2 hours daily for meeting the people to hear their grievances/problem.
“As the welfare of the people is the overriding focus of the government, it is important that they feel they are not only being heard, but that their views are valued as well” he said.
The Chief Secretary directed the DCs to ensure that the implementation of all rural sector schemes is expedited and added that all MGNREGA works where payments under labour and material components have been made should be closed on priority.
The Chief Secretary urged the DDCs to ensure that every village is made a “SWACCH Gram” by 15th August, 2022.