DDC Pulwama reviews progress of AIIMS Awantipora

Pulwama, Oct 16: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, Friday chaired a detailed review meeting to assess the progress of AIIMS Awantipora, including the status of construction, pending works, statutory approvals and preparedness for operationalisation of various facilities.
A detailed presentation on the project was made before the Chair, covering the overall progress, revised master plan, phase-wise completion schedule, statutory approvals, infrastructure and other critical components of the campus.
It was informed that the revised master plan and associated changes have been approved. The project has achieved around 81 percent overall physical progress, while financial progress stands at approximately over 72 percent.
During the meeting, the DDC undertook a detailed review of the physical infrastructure under different phases and emphasised that the focus should be on execution and functionalization on the ground, rather than merely recording completion on paper. He called for a proactive approach by all concerned agencies to address bottlenecks and expedite pending works.
Reviewing the Phase-I works, the Chair was informed that Hospital Block-1 has reached 100 percent progress, while Hospital Block-2 is around 99 percent complete. The DDC took note of the remaining pendencies and directed the concerned executing agency to address all outstanding issues on priority and make the OPD functional by the end of October, wherever feasible.
The status of electrical substations and allied works, which are around 99 percent complete, was also reviewed. The Chair was informed that testing and commissioning are presently in progress. The DDC directed the concerned officers to complete the remaining works, testing and commissioning within the next two weeks.
He stressed that the works should be completed well before the onset of winter and that no avoidable delay should be allowed.
With regard to Phase-II, covering academic, administrative and hostel buildings, it was informed that the civil works of the identified buildings are at an advanced stage. The DDC directed the executing agency to complete the remaining civil works within the next 20 days, wherever technically feasible, and ensure that the buildings are made functional by the end of November.
Reviewing Phase-III, the Chair directed that works presently progressing in the range of approximately 75–80 percent be substantially accelerated. The concerned officers were asked to push the remaining works of the balance hospital blocks, academic blocks, residential blocks, hostels and external development works and adhere strictly to the approved timelines.
The DDC also specifically directed the concerned agencies to complete the Shopping Complex and Guest House at the earliest, keeping in view their importance for the functioning of the campus.
The DDC directed all concerned departments to provide the pending NOCs before the end of October and prepare a clear action plan for the same.
The Chair laid particular emphasis on the early operationalisation of the OPD in view of the public requirement and expected footfall. He stressed that public health should remain the foremost priority and directed the concerned authorities to initiate OPD services at the earliest, with the necessary Senior Residents and other required human resources in place.
The DDC directed the concerned authorities to ensure timely reporting and submit the human-resource position and details of facilities ready for operationalisation.
The Chair further directed that a comprehensive AIIMS operational-readiness action plan be prepared, clearly identifying whether the required infrastructure, manpower, equipment, utilities, transport and statutory requirements are in place. All necessary arrangements are to be put in place before operationalisation.
The meeting also reviewed the status of essential services, including water supply, fire-safety arrangements and electricity infrastructure. It was informed that these components are at an advanced stage, with substantial work already completed and the remaining activities being taken up on priority. The DDC directed that all such essential services be completed, tested and made fully functional without delay.
The DDC also directed the concerned authorities to make arrangements for purchase/provision of buses for transportation, particularly keeping in view the requirements of patients, students and staff of the campus.
The DDC directed the ADC Awantipora to facilitate resolution of the issues in coordination with the concerned stakeholders and assured that the district administration would extend full support for resolving all matters affecting the project.
Emphasising the need for coordinated action, the DDC directed every concerned department and executing agency to thoroughly review its respective component, identify pending activities, fix clear timelines and ensure timely completion and functionalisation of all assets.
He stressed that the project should now move decisively from construction and documentation to execution and functionality on the ground, stating that there should be no reason for avoidable delay in making AIIMS Awantipora operational. He assured that the district administration would provide all possible facilitation and support and directed that the operationalisation of the institution be treated as a priority.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Pulwama, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Awantipora, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone; Chief Planning Officer, Pulwama, Aashiq Khanday; representative of the Executive Director, AIIMS Awantipora; Superintending Engineers of CPWD, Bemina Srinagar, PHE Pulwama/Shopian, PWD (R&B) Pulwama/Shopian and KPDCL Pulwama; Executive Engineers of CPWD Awantipora, PHE Awantipora, R&B Awantipora, KPDCL Awantipora, PHE Mechanical Awantipora and Ground Water Division Srinagar; Chief Medical Officer, Pulwama; Tehsildar Awantipora; and Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Awantipora, besides other concerned officers.