SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday took serious note of delays in government construction projects and flood restoration works, directing departments and district administrations to remove bottlenecks, start stalled and new Mini Secretariat projects within one month and ensure that relief reaches people affected by floods without delay.
Chairing separate meetings at the Civil Secretariat, Omar reviewed the progress of languishing projects under the Revenue Department, particularly the construction of Mini Secretariat buildings at district headquarters, besides taking stock of relief, rehabilitation and restoration measures being carried out across Jammu Division following this year’s floods.
During the review of Mini Secretariat projects, the Chief Minister expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work and delays in project planning, approvals and execution. He directed the concerned departments and district administrations to take all necessary measures to resolve pending issues and ensure that work on stalled as well as new projects begins within one month.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner Revenue J&K Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Secretary Revenue, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir and Deputy Commissioners of several districts. Officers from outside Srinagar participated through video conferencing.
The Chief Minister was briefed on the status of Mini Secretariat projects at Mendhar, Poonch, Rajouri and Akhnoor in Jammu division and Tral, Dooru, Batamaloo and Tangmarg in Kashmir division.
Omar directed the officers to follow a time-bound approach and ensure strict compliance with the decisions taken during the meeting. He also called for standardisation of buildings and facilities so that Mini Secretariats across districts have greater uniformity in design and functionality and offer better services to both government employees and the public.
Focus shifts to flood-hit areas
In a separate meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the relief, rehabilitation and restoration work being undertaken across Jammu Division following the floods.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar gave a detailed presentation on the situation and the measures being taken to support affected families and restore damaged infrastructure.
The review covered assistance to families who suffered loss of life, injuries and damage to houses and property, along with cases involving the allotment of State land to families rendered landless because of natural calamities.
The Chief Minister also took stock of the damage to roads and bridges in different districts and the progress of restoration work. Several agencies, including R&B, NHAI, NHIDCL and SAMPARK, are involved in restoring damaged road stretches and reconnecting affected areas.
Omar stressed that restoration work must be closely coordinated and completed within a defined timeframe, with priority given to reconnecting remote and badly affected areas.
He directed officials to ensure that temporary arrangements made to restore connectivity are followed by durable and permanent restoration wherever necessary.
Relief funds, crops and livestock also reviewed
The meeting also assessed damage to livestock, cattle sheds and crops, besides reviewing the availability and utilisation of disaster relief funds in various districts.
The Chief Minister directed the administration and concerned departments to remain prepared to respond quickly to any further weather-related eventuality. He stressed that assistance must reach affected people without unnecessary delay.
Omar also called for continued coordination among departments and regular monitoring of relief, rehabilitation and restoration measures so that gaps in implementation are identified and addressed quickly.
The flood restoration review was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana and Javid Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and senior officers from the Jal Shakti, PDD, PWD, Home, Health and Medical Education and School Education departments.
Senior officials from SDRF, Traffic Police, BRO, SAMPARK, NHAI and NHIDCL, along with Deputy Commissioners of Jammu Division and other concerned officers, also participated in the meeting.
