LEH, Oct 29: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired a review meeting of the Public Works Department (PWD) to assess the financial and physical progress of ongoing infrastructure projects, identify implementation bottlenecks and strengthen coordination among executing agencies for the timely completion of works across the Union Territory.
During the meeting, Secretary, PWD, Baseer Ul Haq Chaudhary, presented a detailed overview of the schemes being implemented by the department, covering the State Sector, Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and other development programmes.
The presentation highlighted the financial and physical progress of Special Development Package works, projects being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), completed works, and key challenges affecting project implementation across the Union Territory.
The meeting deliberated on the progress of projects under the Special Development Package, including Vijayak and Himank, along with road infrastructure and building projects being executed by various agencies.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need for a comprehensive assessment of major projects, including their financial requirements, physical progress, implementation timelines and outstanding issues. He directed the department to prepare a consolidated picture of major road and building works under the PWD, BRO, Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Emphasising the need to address delays through coordinated action, the Chief Secretary called for dedicated consultations with BRO and other executing agencies, involving Deputy Commissioners and relevant stakeholders. He stressed that issues relating to land acquisition, land availability, wildlife clearances, regulatory approvals and other implementation constraints should be clearly identified, examined and resolved through coordinated efforts. The concerned departments were asked to present the reasons for delays along with practical solutions and realistic timelines.
The Chief Secretary also directed the concerned agencies to maintain proper documentation of completed works, including photographs and district-wise progress reports, to facilitate effective monitoring and verification. He emphasised the involvement of Deputy Commissioners in reviewing infrastructure projects in their respective districts and ensuring coordination among executing agencies and user departments.
The meeting further reviewed road connectivity in unconnected villages, maintenance requirements and expenditure, and the status of projects under CRIF and other development schemes.
The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of prioritising works based on public needs, connectivity requirements and available resources, while ensuring that maintenance liabilities are considered during project planning.
Issues relating to building infrastructure for government departments and newly constituted Hill Development Councils were also discussed. The Chief Secretary called for advance planning of office accommodation and other essential facilities in all districts, with the concerned departments and district administrations working together to ensure that completed buildings are put to effective use. The meeting also discussed integrated tendering, rationalisation of project estimates and the delegation of financial and administrative powers to facilitate efficient execution.
The status of medical college infrastructure and the responsibilities of the concerned executing agencies were also discussed. The Chief Secretary directed the PWD and other relevant agencies to coordinate on outstanding works and review progress in a follow-up meeting after ten days.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, PWD, Baseer Ul Haq Chaudhary; Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Secretary for Special Projects, Moses Kunzang; Chief Engineer, PWD, Abdul Mutalib; Joint Director, Planning, Tsering Angdus; and other concerned officers and officials.