*Asks admn to take timely action on public importance issues
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 23: Expressing dis-satisfaction with the present pace of public service delivery, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today said that there is still huge gap in decision-taking and implementation on ground and each and every officer of the Government must take adequate steps to come up to the expectations of the common masses.
Chief Minister made these observations while reviewing the progress of mega development projects being implemented in Jammu at a high level meeting convened here today. Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh was also present at the meeting.
She called for expediting work on all the key projects so that these are completed within the set time-frame. “Our focus has to be on expediting development works, ensuring good governance and providing a corruption-free administration,” she said and asked the administration to reach out to the people and mitigate their grievances.
“All of us shall have to put our act together and make the things move at the desired pace on the development front,” she said and added that adequate resources are available both through the State Plan and through Prime Minister’s Development Programme. “Only thing is to spend this money effectively and within the set time-frame,” she said and added that in this endeavour she would need the support of the officers at the cutting-edge level.
Mehbooba instructed the officials to resolve the issues of public concern within the set time-frame. “Take timely action on issues of public importance, even by exercising suo-moto powers, if required with humanitarian approach,” she maintained.
Earlier, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Pawan Kotwal briefed the meeting about the progress of the ongoing mega projects.
Regarding expansion of Jammu Airport and extension of runway, the meeting was informed that out of the project cost of Rs 138 crore, expenditure of Rs 76 crore has been incurred on shifting of utilities and construction of alternate roads while the land acquisition has also been completed which will be handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for expansion of terminal building and development of passenger facilities. The meeting was informed that the runway of the Jammu Airport is also being extended from the existing 6700 ft to 8000 ft.
Regarding the multi-tier parking and commercial complex proposed to be constructed at General Bus Stand, the meeting was informed that work has started on Rs 201 crore project which will besides having a bus terminal, provide parking facility for around 1500 vehicles. The complex will also have shops and food courts.
Regarding development of Tawi River Front, the meeting was informed that an MoU has already been signed by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) with Sabarmati River Front Development Corporation for the execution of Rs 225 crore project which envisages construction of protection works, water treatment plants, development of reclaimed land into recreational areas and development of tourist facilities along the banks of the River Tawi along a length of 10 kms with 2.5 kms being taken up for development in the first phase.
Regarding sewage project for Jammu city, the meeting was informed that Rs 122 crore project is under implementation by ERA to cover the areas including Bakshi Nagar, Janipur, Shiv Nagar, Shakti Nagar, Bhawani Nagar,Toph Sherkhanian and Paloura. This is in addition to the 30 MLD capacity STP already inaugurated on Monday.
Regarding construction of Bikram Chowk fly-over, the meeting was informed that the Rs 72 crore project is targeted for completion by the end of this year. About multi-level parking facility at City Chowk, the meeting was informed that Rs 51 crore project is targeted for completion by June 2017. It will have a parking facility for 352 light vehicles.
Regarding construction of New Legislative Complex, the meeting was informed that the Rs 167 crore project is targeted for completion by April 2018. The meeting was informed that expenditure of Rs 57 crore has been made on the project till date.
About construction of barrage on River Tawi, the meeting was informed that the Rs 70 crore project is targeted for completion by March 2017. Regarding Jammu Ropeway Project, the meeting was informed that work is going on in full swing on Rs 62 crore ropeway project from Peerkho to Shahabad and it is targeted for completion by March 2018.
Regarding construction of Ring Road around Jammu, the meeting was informed that land acquisition process for Rs 2000 crore project has already begun. The proposed Ring Road will take off from Raya Mode and culminate at Nagrota Bypass.
About construction of new Medical Colleges in Jammu region, the meeting was informed that while work has already started on the new Medical College in Rajouri, the land acquisition has been completed for new Medical Colleges at Kathua and Doda. As far as four-laning of Jammu-Akhnoor road is concerned, the meeting was informed that a road length of around 17 kms from Jammu to Akhnoor has been taken up for upgradation at a cost of Rs 454 crore and the work is already in progress.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of potable water augmentation for Jammu city, formulation of Master Plan and implementation of Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme and AMRUT.
The Chief Minister also took a detailed review of the power and water supply position in the winter capital and asked the concerned departments to ensure adequate availability of electricity and drinking water in view of the prevailing hot weather conditions in the region.
Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Navin Kumar Choudhary and the provincial heads of various line departments were present at the meeting.
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