CS reviews ERA projects for their completion by extended deadline

JAMMU : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, on Wednesday chaired a high level review meeting where CEO of the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA), Aijaz Asad, presented a comprehensive update on the Jhelum & Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP).
This update comes after the World Bank granted an extension to complete the remaining works.
Present in the meeting were Secretary, PWD; Commissioner, SMC; Chief Engineer R&B Central Kashmir besides other concerned officers.
The Chief Secretary impressed upon the ERA to ensure regular monitoring of progress on the ongoing works. He asked them to make sure the works are completed in time with no laxity at any level.
Regarding maintenance of quality and adherence to specific timelines, the Chief Secretary asked the R&B department to take penal action against the defaulting contractors as per law or blacklist them for taking up any future contracts.
The Chief Secretary asked for ensuring completion of 130-bedded additional block at the Government LD Hospital within the extended timeline.
The CEO informed that this additional block aims to significantly enhance the healthcare infrastructure and patient capacity at this crucial healthcare facility. He further apprised that the authorities are closely monitoring the progress to ensure timely completion of this vital project within the extended project timeframe.
Regarding the remaining work of 5 bridges in North Kashmir, Secretary PWD, Bhupinder Kumar, informed the meeting that the LoA stands issued for each of the bridge to be constructed at Wahidina, Waza Mohallah, Shrakwara and Wagoora. These works are expected to be completed by December 2025.
Regarding completion of the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) at Humhuma, it was divulged that the dormitory building, service block and warehouse have been completed. It was added that the delay in procurement of electromechanical components by the contractor lead to termination of the contract with the remaining works to be re-tendered and expected to be completed in seven months at a cost of Rs 40.16 crore.
About the 160-bedded new block of Bone & Joint Hospital, the meeting was apprised that the construction has been fully completed. It was given out that the procurement of additional equipments are in progress and scheduled to be completed by the end of this month.
Regarding upgradation of 49 Dewatering Stations, Commissioner SMC, Owais Ahmad, informed the meeting that 45 stations are fully functional with 2 stations at Khan Colony and Surnai Mohalla dropped while 2 at Zero Bridge and Peerbagh foreclosed.
With respect to status of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for these dewatering stations, it was told that the same had been completed at a cost of Rs 32.12 crore and handed over to SMC. This system aims at monitoring and controlling dewatering stations in Srinagar for their efficiency and effective output.
It is worth mentioning here that the total expenditure incurred on JTFRP till date stands at Rs 1,547.5 crore, with the World Bank reimbursing an amount of Rs 1,465.86 crore. The project has been extended until August 31, 2026, allowing completion of the remaining works that were not completed till December, 2024 for different reasons.