Div Com reviews progress of mega projects in Billawar

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Sept 12: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Sanjeev Verma convened a meeting with senior officers of various departments to review the progress of ongoing development projects in Billawar.
The Div Com took a detailed review of status of work on construction of indoor stadium, macadamization of roads under PMGSY/CRF/PWD, water supply schemes, electrification works under DDUGVY/SAUBHAGYA scheme and conservation of natural water bodies.
The concerned officers gave a detailed presentation on the projects and informed about the present status of work.
During the meeting, Divisional Commissioner stressed on early forest clearance for proposed roads to complete the projects in a time bound manner. He also emphasized on strengthening rural economy by creating durable assets in collaboration with Rural Development, Agriculture and Horticulture Departments. He directed the concerned officers to encourage farmers to use organic farming in the fields besides motivating them to grow pulses to double their income.
To increase tourist footfall in the region, the Divisional Commissioner stressed on completing all projects under tourism sector at the earliest so that better amenities can be provided to tourists. He also called for plantation along the roadsides leading to famous pilgrimage sites.
Emphasizing on adherence to quality specification and timely completion of the projects, Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned departments to work in synergy and ensure regular monitoring of the works. He also called for maintaining inter-department coordination which is vital for expediting the pace of development works.
The Div Com also had a detailed review of present status of expenditure incurred on development projects. He laid stress on maintaining financial discipline by utilizing funds in appropriate manner.
Later, several deputations also met the Divisional Commissioner and apprised him of various problems being faced by them which mainly include water and power supply, roads, revenue services and disbursement of benefits under several social welfare schemes.
On the spot directions were issued by the Divisional Commissioner to the concerned officers to redress the grievances at the earliest.
The meeting was attended by ADDC Kathua, Shubra Sharma, ADC Billawar, Joginder Singh Rai, Jt. Dir Horticulture, Jt. Dir.  Industry & Commerce, Executive Engineer of various departments, ZEO, BDOs, Tehsildars, besides other senior functionaries of various departments.