Status of projects of Culture Deptt assessed
* Takes stock of land acquisition for degree colleges
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 7: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today convened a meeting to review the progress achieved, so far, in development of Tawi Riverfront and artificial lake being established as part of the Jammu Smart City project.
Among others the meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, MD HADP, CEO, JSCL, Chief Engineer, I&FC besides other concerned officers while Jammu based officers participated online.
The Chief Secretary had a detailed overview of the progress registered on different components of this mega beautification project of Jammu City. He defined the project as vital for further enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the city by giving it an upgraded look for the visitors. He impressed upon the officers to maintain inter-departmental coordination for meeting the set deadlines for project execution. He stressed on close monitoring of works by the senior officers to ensure both quality and efficiency in delivery outcomes.
Dulloo exhorted upon the concerned authorities to ensure that all the diversion works and installation of sluice gates are completed within set deadlines so that pondage of designated lake area is carried out at the earliest. He asked for ensuring completion of all allied works simultaneously by the Smart City and other executing agencies so that the project gets accomplished at an earliest.
The Chief Secretary enquired about the quantum of work still pending on diversion work of each nallah on the right and left bank of the lake.
Earlier, ACS, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, presented a broad overview of the works being carried out by his department for development of the lake inside the Tawi river from 4th bridge up to Gujjar Nagar in first phase. He informed that the works included construction of 4 promenades and embankments for a length of 2.7 km on both sides of the river from Bhagwati Nagar Barrage to Bikram Bridge including central island as part of phase first of this project. He added that the project, being established with an estimated cost of Rs 191.15 crore, is expected to be completed by September this year with an aggregate progress of nearly 80% on all of its components.
Regarding physical progress of the project, the updated photographs of the works carried out on right and left banks including the central island were displayed during the meeting.
In another presentation, Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur, also detailed out the possible land use pattern on both the banks. She explained that the intended land use includes for development of land parcels for residential, commercial and recreational purpose.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary chaired a meeting to review the status of land acquisition for establishment of new Degree Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Secretary Revenue Department, Director Colleges and other concerned officers while Deputy Commissioner’s of Srinagar, Budgam, Kupwara, Anantnag, Samba, Udhampur, Ramban and Rajouri districts participated online.
The Chief Secretary directed the concerned officers to put in extra efforts to remove bottlenecks impeding establishment of new degree colleges in the UT. He also asked the concerned officers to explore options for acquiring additional land adjacent to some colleges, wherever required, for upgradation of college infrastructure there. He exhorted upon the officers to vigorously follow the court cases and other land related issues so that the institutions are established within the shortest possible time.
Chief Secretary also reviewed status of various projects being executed by the Culture Department in the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Finance, Principal Secretary, Culture, Managing Director, Police Housing Corporation, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Engineer-in-Chief, PW (R&B) Department, Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums and other officers while officers stationed at Jammu participated online.
The projects that came up for discussion included SPS Museum, Shergarhi Complex and Tehzeeb Mehal, Srinagar.
The Chief Secretary was apprised of the present status of SPS museum besides the issues being faced in completing the project.
Underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting the region’s cultural heritage, the Chief Secretary impressed upon the stakeholders to work in synergy for speedy completion of the prestigious project. He asked the PW (R&B) Department to frame a comprehensive DPR for remaining works of the SPS museum so that it functions in all respects.
The Chief Secretary said that the museum serves as a bridge connecting the past with the present, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s cultural diversity saying that all efforts have to be undertaken for sustainable conservation of the artefacts. He described the museums as the knowledge hubs that enthuse youngsters with pride about their culture and heritage.
The meeting also had threadbare discussion on development and conservation of Shergarhi Complex and Tehzeeb Mehal. The participants put forth various suggestions for expeditious completion of these prestigious projects.
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