Srinagar, November 16: The Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, led the 5th Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting of the World Bank-funded Jhelum & Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) managed by the J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) in Srinagar.
Accompanied by the Secretary of Tourism & CEO of ERA, the meeting saw the participation of key officials including the Principal Secretary of H&UDD, Commissioner Secretary of Industries and Commerce, DG of Planning, among others.
The meeting focused on assessing the progress of ongoing projects, stressing the need to expedite those nearing completion to ensure their public dedication before the onset of winter. The Chief Secretary underscored the importance of completing infrastructure projects comprehensively to ensure seamless utilization without causing inconvenience to the public.
Dr. Mehta highlighted the significant role played by JTFRP in improving public facilities such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and disaster management assets. He pointed out the project’s positive impact in revitalizing traditional handicrafts, directly and indirectly generating employment opportunities for numerous artisans and craftsmen.
Addressing the unutilized funds provided by the World Bank to JTFRP, the Chief Secretary urged exploration of options for extending the project, emphasizing the demonstrated benefits of completed projects in enhancing critical infrastructure and creating livelihood opportunities.
Acknowledging the delay caused by the unforeseen circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019 and 2020, Dr. Mehta encouraged maximizing the available time window and prioritizing projects that could be swiftly implemented.
The detailed progress of sub-projects was reviewed, with directives given for transferring projects under execution through JKPCC to the Public Works (R&B) Department promptly. Additionally, the Chief Secretary urged the Public Works Department to expedite pending infrastructure projects within stipulated deadlines and directed respective departments to take over completed sub-projects under JTFRP within a week.
Dr. Mehta stressed the need for innovation to enhance project productivity and create more livelihood opportunities. He called for a thorough examination of completed projects to ensure their functionality, particularly the Storm Water Drainage projects in Srinagar.
The Chief Secretary also scrutinized the agency’s budget and audit report, instructing the CEO to reconsider the post-project completion AMC costs while emphasizing the need to improve project efficiency and broaden their scope to encompass diverse sections of society.
In his presentation, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, CEO of ERA, highlighted the agency’s performance since 2019, revealing that out of 213 works, 174 were completed, while 39 were in advanced stages. Contracts worth ₹1763 Cr were awarded, with an expenditure of ₹1320 Cr incurred till October this year.
JTFRP has significantly contributed to flood recovery and risk mitigation, serving more than double the targeted populace through restored and enhanced public buildings. The completed infrastructure covers schools, higher education buildings, roads, bridges, drainage networks, pumping stations, critical medical equipment supply to hospitals, oxygen generation plants, and support to livelihoods in sectors like cocoon rearing, wool, handloom, and handicrafts for families in Jammu and Kashmir.
