Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 25: Minister of State for Roads and Buildings Javid Ahmad Dar today exhorted upon the engineers to work hard for early restoration of damages caused to various roads and bridges due to recent heavy rainfall in Jammu province while chairing a review meeting of engineers of R&B and allied departments.
The Minister took stock of damage caused to motorable Balole Bridge in Samba district due to heavy downpour and discussed its early restoration.
The bridge was constructed by GREF and is under the control of NHAI. The Minister asked the concerned to immediately take preventive measures to avoid further damage to the bridge.
The Minister stressed upon the engineers to accord priority to those projects which are near completion and complete the same within year’s time. He also reviewed the progress on various ongoing projects in Jammu city which included Satwari- Kunjwani road, Satwari- R.S. Pura road, Bakshi Nagar Road, Amphalla- Janipur road, Sidhra-Surinsar- Mansar road, 4th Tawi Bridge, etc.
The Minister directed for speedy land acquisition for timely completion of various vital projects. He laid stress on fixing time line for completion of works and payment of compensation for the land being acquired under various projects. He also reviewed progress on various projects being executed under NABARD, GREF and NHAI.
The Minister also reviewed the availability of material being supplied by Store Procurement Department.
Director Store Procurement Department assured timely supply of the material.
The meeting was informed that work on 4th Tawi Bridge is expected to be completed by end of this year.
Chief Engineer, Thaseen Mustafa briefed the Minister about the status of various roads and bridges in Jammu province. He apprised the Minister of the present condition of roads adjoining Khanyar Nallah at Poonch which has been recently damaged due to flash flood.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Director National Highway R. P. Singh, Director Stores & Procurement R. K. Handoo, SE P. L. Bhushan, XENs, AEEs and other senior officers of concerned departments.