SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Wednesday reviewed the physical and financial progress of development works being executed by the Jal Shakti and Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) departments across Kashmir division.
At a review meeting attended by chief engineers and superintending engineers of the two departments, officials briefed the minister on the status of ongoing schemes, expenditure of allocated funds and challenges affecting project execution.
Rana directed officers to accelerate work on projects nearing completion and ensure their completion before the onset of winter.
Reviewing the Jal Shakti Department’s works, the minister asked officials to prioritise unfinished drinking water supply schemes and make efforts to commission them before winter. He also directed advance testing of pipelines, pumping systems, storage tanks and other infrastructure to identify and rectify technical deficiencies in time.
The minister stressed the need for regular field inspections and close monitoring of projects to ensure adherence to quality standards and approved timelines.
During the review of Irrigation and Flood Control works, Rana directed officials to prioritise de-silting of water channels and strengthening of embankments and flood-protection infrastructure along vulnerable stretches.
He also asked the Chief Engineer, I&FC, to submit a river-wise status report on flood-protection works and preparedness measures in vulnerable areas.
The minister emphasised that physical progress and financial expenditure should proceed simultaneously and called for timely and transparent utilisation of funds earmarked for development projects.
