Doda: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Vikas Kundal, on Friday reviewed the progress of developmental projects and implementation of government schemes in Doda district, directing executing agencies and concerned departments to expedite infrastructure works and ensure their completion within stipulated timelines.
Chairing a review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex in Doda, Kundal took stock of ongoing and completed projects across various sectors, with particular emphasis on road connectivity, public infrastructure, water supply, power distribution and rural housing.
At the outset, Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal presented an overview of the district’s developmental profile, including the physical and financial progress of ongoing projects, achievements under various sectors and challenges affecting their implementation. The presentation also covered the status of government schemes and infrastructure projects requiring intervention.
Reviewing major infrastructure works, the Divisional Commissioner stressed the timely completion of the multi-storey car parking project, which has been identified as an important public utility facility for Doda town.
The alignment of National Highway-244 (NH-244), road upgradation works and the progress of projects being executed along the highway also came under review. Kundal directed the General Manager of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to accelerate ongoing works, remove implementation bottlenecks and maintain prescribed quality standards.
The status of ongoing heritage projects, Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) projects and works funded under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was also reviewed.
Taking stock of road infrastructure, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed projects undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase-I and Phase-II, besides road development works being executed by the Public Works Department (PWD), Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and other agencies.
He stressed the need to accelerate macadamisation and upgradation of roads across the district, particularly in remote and far-flung areas, and directed the concerned departments to ensure timely completion of the works. He also called for proper maintenance of existing roads and improved connectivity by exploring all available funding schemes.
Issues concerning land compensation and forest clearances were also discussed. The Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned officers to resolve pending matters within a stipulated timeframe to prevent delays in the execution of infrastructure projects.
In the Jal Shakti sector, Kundal reviewed the physical and financial progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), including the provision of Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), the status of ongoing water supply schemes and challenges affecting their implementation. Progress under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), besides irrigation and flood control projects, was also assessed.
The meeting also reviewed power infrastructure projects being implemented under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Kundal directed the concerned officers to prioritise strengthening of the electricity distribution network, improve supply reliability and expedite pending works to ensure uninterrupted power supply, particularly during the winter season.
Reviewing the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), the Divisional Commissioner asked officials to intensify efforts to achieve the prescribed targets and ensure timely construction and completion of houses sanctioned for eligible rural beneficiaries.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal, Additional Deputy Commissioners Anil Kumar Thakur and Sunil Kumar Butyal, Chief Planning Officer Manesh Kumar Manhas, Additional Superintendent of Police Headquarters Mohammad Aslam and heads of various district departments, besides representatives of executing agencies.
Senior officials from the Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Department, NHIDCL, Forest Department and other line departments also participated in the review.