JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Public Works Department, focusing on the progress of development projects in Jammu Division under NABARD PMGSY, CRIF, Bridges and C&T (Macadamization) schemes.
The meeting was apprised of various projects which are at different stages of execution. The concerned officials provided updates on the status of projects while highlighting the challenges being faced during the implementation of these vital works.
Following a detailed review, the Dy CM directed the officers to expedite the progress on all works, ensuring their timely completion, maintaining all prescribed quality standards.
The Dy CM asked the engineers to follow the work completion deadlines so that the vital projects are dedicated to the public in time.
“Instructions have already been given to the executing agencies for strict adherence to the approved plans, ensuring there should be no compromise with the quality of works. Strict action would be initiated in case of any deviation and low-quality work,” maintained the Deputy Chief Minister.
While inspecting the ongoing works, the Deputy Chief Minister directed for strict quality monitoring and fast-paced execution of the projects. He further directed the concerned engineers to review progress on these projects regularly and blacklist those contractors who are not showing satisfactory performance.
While asking for undertaking developmental works in consonance with the local needs and aspirations, the Deputy Chief Minister said that developmental plans should be formulated in consonance with the demands and convenience of people of the area.
Taking serious notice about substandard work on some of the projects, the Dy CM emphasised that there is no room for compromise with the quality of works.
Regarding the delay in work execution caused due to forest clearance issues, the Dy CM directed the concerned officers to coordinate effectively and ensure timely approvals on this account. He directed all the divisions to work in close coordination to resolve the issues hindering the pace of progress on these ambitious projects.
Secretary PWD (R&B) Bhupinder Kumar, along with Chief Engineers, Superintendent Engineers, Executive Engineers and senior officials from concerned agencies, were present during the meeting.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister visited Samba to inspect the damaged road on the National Highway near Chichi Mata.
The Dy CM enquired about the shortcomings in the previous designs and asked the officers to fix the accountability of the executing agency responsible for the damage. He maintained that providing enhanced road connectivity, reliable bridges and other infrastructure for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth is the priority of the Omar Abdullah government.
