JTFRP to help build strong disaster mitigation mechanism: Veeri

Reviews progress on World Bank funded project

JAMMU, DECEMBER 21 - Minister for Revenue, Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation & Reconstruction and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Rehman Veeri today reviewed the progress on implementation of Jhelum-Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) being funded by World Bank, here today.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary R&B Sanjeev Verma, Director General Police (SDRF) Dilbagh Singh, Development Commissioner Works Bimal Tickoo, CEO JTFRP Vinod Sharma, General Manager JKPCC HarKewal Singh and other concerned officers of various executing agencies.

Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce briefed the Minister about progress of works taken up by the department and assured for their completion in given time frame.

CEO JTFRP briefed the meeting about project’s progress and about the issues hampering the pace of Rs 1500 crore project. He said that works on construction of bridges and roads are underway and for tendering process is underway for other important works under the project.

The Minister asked JTFRP to execute the road works on fast track basis and also to make estimate of land to be acquired for construction of roads including the funds required for compensation to owners. He said that take up the works on priority where land acquisition is not required.

Regarding works on construction of roads, bridges and school buildings, Commissioner Secretary R&B apprised the Minister about the progress on these works and issues hampering the project’s progress.

Veeri asked the concerned executing agencies to prepare the DPRs for various sub-projects being executed under the Jhelum - Tawi Flood Recovery Project and so that works can be executed at the earliest

The meeting was further informed that works on Bone & Joint Hospital Srinagar and works on construction of additional building at LD Hospital Srinagar would soon be commenced. It was decided in the meeting that works at Lal Ded Hospital would commence by March next year.

With regards to creation of health infrastructure, the Minister asked JTFRP to expedite the process at these two health institutions and also to ensure that new structures are earthquake resistant.

Progress on works related to Srinagar Municipal Corporation was also discussed and meeting was informed that process of procuring required machinery is underway. The Minister asked SMC to prepare DPRs for all new projects and complete all the necessary formalities for starting the works on same.

DGP, SDRF, while giving out the details of the measures taken to meet any eventuality, informed that process of buying boats is under process and a good number of boats have been received by SDRF. Other necessary equipment required are being procured in a phased manner.

He demanded some funding for providing required training to SDRF personnel. The Minister asked DGP to submit a comprehensive training proposal to CEO JTFRP so that funds would be arranged under Skill Development Programme.

Discussing the progress on Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) at in Srinagar, the Minister directed the JTFRP to establish the centre at safe and easily accessed location and to make it functional soon.

Veeri directed the CEO JTFRP to review the functioning of prestigious project on weekly basis besides asking all the concerned to expedite developmental works under this prestigious project.

“This ambitious project is envisaged to recover and reconstruction of critical infrastructure, capacity building and livelihood in the State and to enhance the capacity of emergency response units like hospitals, emergency services”, the Minister said adding that the works should be carried out on fast track basis for implementation of the project without further delay.

The Minister said that Jhelum-Tawi Flood Recovery Project needs to be completed at the earliest for putting up a strong mechanism in place to respond during emergency situations and directed the all concerned officers to prioritize the important works for their early completion.