Jammu : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Tuesday chaired review meeting to assess the progress of the remaining works under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) and directed all concerned departments to ensure strict adherence to timelines, stating categorically that the current extension is final and no lapses will be tolerated.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Principal Secretary, Home; Secretary, Health & Medical Education; Director General, Budget; Managing Director, JKMSCL; Chief Executive Officer, J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA); Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, and other senior officers.
During the meeting Chief Secretary conducted a project-wise review of ongoing works, focusing on the urgent operationalization of the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) at Humhama, the completion of an additional block at Lal Ded (LD) Hospital, and the procurement of critical care infrastructure by the Health Department using savings from the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Facilitation Project (JTFRP). He emphasized the necessity for simultaneous procurement of equipment alongside infrastructure development to meet the overall deadline of August 2026. To enhance oversight, he mandated that each project be assigned to a designated Executive Engineer, with daily field monitoring and weekly progress reports submitted directly to him. The Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of departmental ownership, urging the Public Works Department and the Health & Medical Education Department to intensify their monitoring efforts to ensure satisfactory progress in both construction and procurement activities. Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary of Health & Medical Education, detailed plans to significantly enhance critical care infrastructure, including the procurement of 100 Advanced Life Support ambulances, 100 ventilators, and various essential medical equipment. CEO of J&K ERA, Shreya Singhal, reported that the construction of the additional block at LD Hospital is on track for timely completion, with pre-engineered structural components being fabricated in Haryana for installation. The SEOC project has achieved approximately 80% progress in civil works and 35% in electromechanical works, with efforts being made to expedite remaining components. Additionally, it was noted that JKMSCL is accelerating the procurement of equipment for the Bone & Joint Hospital and other critical care facilities to ensure readiness within the designated timeframe. In Baramulla district, the construction of five bridges is at an advanced stage, with a target completion date set for March. Consultancy services for the feasibility study and Detailed Project Report for flood mitigation and river management of the Jhelum and Tawi river basins are progressing well and are expected to be completed on schedule. The Chief Secretary reiterated the significance of JTFRP in enhancing disaster resilience, stressing the need for continuous monitoring, effective inter-departmental coordination, and proactive resolution of any bottlenecks to ensure the timely completion of all projects.
