Chief Secretary asks for accelerated
execution of National Highway Projects in J&K
JAMMU, APRIL 3:
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, chaired a high level meeting to assess progress
on National Highway projects being executed across the Union Territory.
Emphasising the
critical importance of these projects, he issued firm directives to ensure
their timely completion while minimising public inconvenience.
The meeting was
attended by senior officers including Principal Secretary Agriculture
Production Department, Shailendra Kumar; Commissioner Secretary, Forest,
Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda; Secretary, Public Works (R&B),
Bhupinder Kumar and Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar while other
officers participated online.
Representatives
from key agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI),
National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)
and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were also present.
The Chief Secretary
reviewed various National Highway projects, examining the individual packages,
scheduled completion dates and current progress. He specifically instructed the
NHAI to expedite project completion while ensuring that public inconvenience is
minimised. "Delays are unacceptable. We must prioritise efficiency and
public convenience in equal measure," he asserted.
The review
encompassed critical infrastructure projects like Delhi-Amritsar-Katra (DAK)
Expressway, four-laning of Banihal Bypass, Srinagar Ring Road, Jammu-Akhnoor
National Highway, Chenani-Sudhmahadev Road, Khellani Bypass Tunnel and various
projects under Project SAMPARK.
Dulloo scrutinised
the physical and financial status of these projects, emphasising added
accountability and swift resolution of any impediments.
Addressing the
challenges posed by the region's unique topography, the Chief Secretary
emphasised the need for proactive planning. "Weather conditions and
natural challenges must be anticipated and integrated into our project
timelines to prevent unnecessary delays," he directed the officers.
In a move to prevent
resource-related delays, the Chief Secretary directed Director Geology and
Mining, Suraj Parkash Rukwal, to conduct field visits and ensure that mining
activities do not hinder the project progress.
Furthermore, he
discussed the forest clearance issues with Commissioner Secretary, Sheetal
Nanda.
Officers from the
Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department Kashmir and R&B Pir Panjal also
presented updates on their respective projects.
The Chief Secretary
also reviewed the progress on Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and engaged with
Deputy Commissioners to identify and address district-specific challenges,
particularly those related to land acquisition. He asked them to expedite the
processes and resolve issues promptly to facilitate smooth project execution.