Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Jan 21: Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, reviewed the progress on construction of roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and various issues related to interdepartmental coordination. An amount of Rs 2.50 crore was also approved as land compensation in Basantgarh, Ramnagar and Chenani.
Joint Director Planning, Rakesh Jamwal, Assistant Commissioner, Revenue, Rajeev Magotra, Superintendent Engineer PMGSY, D.K Khanna, SDM Chenani, SDM Dudu, SDM Basantgarh, SDM Ramnagar ,Executive Engineer PMGSY Udhampur Division, Ravi Raina, XEn Ramnagar Division, M.R Sharma, XEn PMGSY, Reasi, H.R Langeh, DFO Udhampur, Harmohinder Singh, DFO Ramnagar, Vivek Modi and various officers of Planning and Revenue Department attended the meeting.
The DC expressed concern over various works delayed due to repeated re-tendering which has led to cost escalation for which Government will be approached to enhance the project cost. Nine case pending before the Courts and 5 involving transfer of forest land were also discussed. Out of 171 schemes started 91 have been completed and rest are under progress. Another 167 schemes are being initiated after seeking approval of Government for DPR cost enhancement in view of repeated tendering having no response.
Collectors of Land Acquisition briefed about the status of land acquired for these projects. Asstt Commissioner Revenue has issued 71 final awards out of 101 cases, SDM Basantgarh 68 out of 71 and SDM Chenani 22 out of 30. District Collector sanctioned Rs 1.50 crore for Basantgarh, Rs 1.00 crore for Ramnagar and Rs 50 lakh for Chenani for immediate land compensation to be completed within one month.
DFOs and ExEns were asked to jointly inspect the sites of damages caused to forest land and ensuring proper supervision of works being executed by contractors on forest land and State Land. SDMs were asked to monitor the progress and furnish weekly reports. A Public Grievance Redressal Notice will be issued by office of District Collector to seek complaints related to damages and compensation for timely settlement of claims pending since years.
Later, District Election Officer, Udhampur, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary also reviewed the arrangements for celebration of National Voters day in the district.