SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting at Civil Secretariat here with the stakeholders for working out strategy to further reduce the travel time on Srinagar Jammu National Highway for the fruit laden trucks. Among others the meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Home; Principal Secretary, APD; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; IG Traffic and other senior officers while Jammu based officers participated virtually.
Regarding movement of fruit laden trucks from the valley, the Chief Secretary stressed on making a comprehensive plan for smooth movement of these vehicles to further reduce the travel time for perishable items. He asked for marking the fruit-laden trucks with specially designed stickers for identification and giving unhindered access to reach the Mandis outside so that the growers don't suffer any losses.
While calling for enhancing level of enforcement especially on the critical stretches of the road, the Chief Secretary told the officers to utilize alternate assets like Mughal Road and Jawahar Tunnel optimally to reduce the traffic congestion on NH-44. He asked them to ensure that oil tankers and other empty trucks moving towards Jammu should be directed to take towards Mughal road. He said that the fruit trucks should have an option to make use of Jawahar tunnel in case there is an apprehension of delay via Quazigund tunnel.
He asked the concerned officers to make use of lean windows optimally by diverting most of the heavy vehicles during the underutilized period. He also asked the NHAI to further improve the overall road surface besides blacktopping of potholed portion near Magarkote and sort out all other minor issues without any undue delay.
In his presentation, the IG Traffic, Bhim Sen Tuti, highlighted the pattern of traffic on the highway through various studies and algorithms. He presented the day-wise and seasonal behavior of traffic along with analysis of time taken by each class and size of the vehicle. He also dwelt upon causal analysis of each aspect of this traffic behavior besides highlighting certain remedial measures. He said that travel time has reduced considerably between Navyug and Chenani-Nashri tunnels over the corresponding years due to efficient traffic management and better road surface.
SRINAGAR: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, conducted a first-quarter review of departmental schemes in several Jammu districts on Monday. The review focused on Rajouri, Reasi, Poonch, and Samba, following earlier assessments in Baramulla, Shopian, Kulgam, and Kupwara.
The meeting was attended by Mission Director JKRLM, Indu Kanwal Chib, Director RDD Jammu, Mumtaz Ali, Director Finance, Umar Khan, Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal, CEO IWMP, Rajnish Kumar, COO, Himayat, Rajneesh Gupta, Joint Director Planning, Kamal Kumar Sharma, Additional Secretary RD&PR, Waseem Raja and ACDs, ACPs of these districts.
Detailed deliberations were held on various issues pertaining to UT Capex Budget, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and Himayat.
Progress on convergence works, the status of Panchayat Ghars, co-location of Common Service Centers (CSCs), Development of District Development Council (DDC) and Block Development Council (BDC) buildings were assessed. The Secretary held detailed deliberations with Assistant Commissioner Development (ACDs) and Assistant Commissioner Panchayat (ACPs), instructing them to focus on achieving the targets set for various schemes.
Dr Shahid stressed the importance of timely implementation and follow-up on decisions made in previous meetings. He asked concerned officials to focus on implementing NRLM-compliant infrastructure projects. The Secretary emphasized the need for swift action in finalizing estimates and beginning construction of facilities like goat and sheep sheds under NRLM in convergence with MGNREGA.
Dr Shahid emphasized the need for close monitoring of key performance indicators, particularly under MGNREGA and PMAY-G. He stressed the importance of regular progress assessments to ensure the timely achievement of set targets. He underscored the importance of interdepartmental convergence to ensure effective resource utilization and accelerated progress at the district level.
Dr Shahid called for enhanced collaboration among different departments and stakeholders to achieve set goals efficiently. The Secretary directed officials to focus on optimal utilization of available resources to maximize the impact of rural development initiatives in the region. He said that this approach aims to create synergies between various schemes and departments, leading to more comprehensive and sustainable rural development.
The meeting assessed the status of completion of Panchayat Ghars and the co-location of Common Service Centers (CSCs). Dr Shahid emphasized the need to expedite any pending works in this regard. The Secretary also reviewed the progress of ongoing construction of District Development Council (DDC) and Block Development Council (BDC) buildings and urged officials to prioritize their completion.
Dr Shahid also conducted a comprehensive review of the status of ongoing projects funded under the UT Capex budget. He instructed officials to closely monitor these projects and address any bottlenecks promptly.
The Secretary directed that funds should be released and utilized promptly. He asked district officials to provide detailed requirements to facilitate the timely absorption of funds, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent delays. Earlier, the Secretary reviewed the progress of different RDD&PR schemes in Baramulla, Shopian, Kulgam and Kupwara districts.
PULWAMA: Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Zubair Ahmad, chaired a public darbar at Pulwama, as a part of Public Outreach Programme of the Government, to assess and redress grievances and demands of the public.
During the Darbar, delegations, members of various associations and individuals brought to fore a range of issues, including the need for the macadamization of certain roads, access to clean drinking water supply in some areas, establishment of playgrounds, adequate street lighting, installation of signboards, issues of persons with disabilities, restoration of springs & improvement of health facilities.
Responding to the concerns raised, the Commissioner Secretary directed all concerned to take immediate action on certain issues that could be resolved immediately. For other matters requiring further attention, he flagged some for consideration of District Administration and assured to take the genuine left out issues to the government for appropriate resolution. He emphasized on collaborative effort between government officials and the general public to secure a commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in addressing the needs of the people.
The event also underscored the administration's dedication in fostering an inclusive and participatory decision-making process, where citizens are encouraged to voice their concerns and contribute to their development. Such initiatives not only serve to address immediate challenges but also pave the way for sustainable solutions that enhance the overall well-being of the populace.
Earlier, the Commissioner Secretary also inspected stalls set up by various departments and assessed the progress made under different schemes, focusing on achieving the predetermined targets. These stalls showcased a wide range of products and government schemes and services aimed at benefiting the public. Later he also distributed sanction letters, golden cards and other certificates among the eligible beneficiaries of various schemes.
Deputy Commissioner, Dr Basharat Qayoom, who was present in the Darbar deliberated on various issues and apprised the participants about efforts and interventions being made by the district administration for public welfare and development in the district. Additional District Development Commissioner, District Officers of various Departments, Civil Society members and general public were present on the occasion.
BARAMULLA: The District Development Commissioner (DDC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa Monday carried out a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing construction and road widening projects along the Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway NH1, specifically from Narbal to Uri, during his on-site visit.
During the visit, the DDC conducted a thorough on-site inspection of major construction sites, including the Khanpora Bypass, Delina Flyover, Sangrama Flyover, and other significant locations.
The executing officers briefed the DDC with a comprehensive update covering the current status, progress, projected timeline, challenges, and various aspects related to the ongoing construction activities.
During the progress review, the DDC directed the executing agencies to accelerate their efforts and ensure the project is completed on schedule, underscoring that timely completion will provide substantial benefits to commuters by notably decreasing travel time.
Minga Sherpa further directed the officers of the various departments to collaborate and swiftly address any impediments hindering construction work ensuring a smooth and timely progression of the project. The DDC was accompanied by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Raina and a team of officers from various departments during his visit.
BARAMULLA: The District Development Commissioner (DDC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa on Monday chaired a meeting of District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) at the meeting hall of DC office here to review the progress of saturation of PM Vishwakarma scheme in the district. At the outset, the chair was provided a comprehensive overview of progress made with respect to the implementation of Vishwakarma scheme in the district since its inception.
The meeting held a threadbare discussion on various aspects for the successful implementation of the scheme and specifically focused on the applications pertaining to the ‘Tailor’ and ‘Mason’ trades which have seen disproportionate enrollment as compared to other trades. During the meeting, the DC directed for the formation of a dedicated committee which will oversee and ensure exhaustive verification of applications received through the portal pertaining to Tailor and Masonry trades for district Baramulla.
The DC further directed that the committee should ensure that only those artisans who have acquired necessary skills and are engaged in the trade currently should be verified as per the PM Vishwakarma guidelines. The meeting was attended by the General Manager, DIC, Nighat Alam; Chief Planning Officer, Baramulla, Javaid Ahmad; Assistant Commissioner Development Baramulla, Shabir Ahmad Hakak and other concerned officers.
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