Jammu : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the status of remaining projects under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), emphasizing strict adherence to the extended completion deadline of August 2026. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Planning, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma; Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Principal Secretary, Home; Secretary, Health & Medical Education; Managing Director, JKMSCL; Chief Executive Officer, J&K ERA, Shreya Singhal; and other senior officers.
During the meeting Chief Secretary thoroughly reviewed ongoing projects, emphasizing the need for specific completion timelines. He instructed the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) to expedite project completions ahead of the extended deadlines and mandated weekly progress reports for his oversight. Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, the ACS Planning, reported on the status of 213 projects under the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Facilitation Project (JTFRP), noting that 202 have been completed, with 10 in progress and one at the tendering stage. A total expenditure of ₹1580 crore has been utilized, contributing to the restoration of essential infrastructure damaged in the 2014 floods. Shreya Singhal, CEO of ERA, provided updates on key projects, including the additional block at LD Hospital, which is expected to reach the base isolator level by December 15, with 20% progress achieved. To accelerate construction, pre-engineered components are being fabricated in Haryana, with installation set to begin by the end of December. Additionally, the construction of five bridges in Baramulla District is progressing well, with a target completion date of December 2025. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) project has reached 80% completion in civil works and 35% in electromechanical works, with efforts being made to expedite remaining tasks. The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) has been tasked with speeding up the procurement of equipment for the Bone & Joint Hospital to ensure readiness on schedule. Furthermore, consultancy services for the feasibility study and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for flood mitigation and river management in the Jhelum and Tawi basins are on track for timely completion. The Chief Secretary underscored the necessity of timely execution of remaining JTFRP projects, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring, inter-departmental coordination, and proactive measures to eliminate obstacles, thereby enhancing the resilience of Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure against future disasters.
