‘Finish all languishing projects by Sept 30’
Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, July 25: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), today chaired a meeting for the approval of new works plans under the Special Development Package (SDP) (Capital) 2023-24 with officials here at Raj Niwas.
A statement said that for the financial year 2023-24, Rs 2289.98 crores were approved under SDP CAPEX, with Rs 1978.57 crores assigned to ongoing works under different schemes.
An additional Rs 311 crores were made available under the SDP 4575 Capital, with Rs 113.79 crores proposed for new works/schemes. After the allocation of funds for the new schemes, a balance of Rs 150.35 crores remained.
Dr Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to LG Ladakh, presented the proposed new works, which were vetted by the LAHDCs in all five object heads. He emphasized the need to utilize the funds in a time-bound manner, considering the short working season of just over two months left.
The LG directed officials to avoid fund surrender and ensure the welfare of Ladakh’s citizens.
He stressed community involvement for plantation drives in Ladakh and set a maximum completion period of three years for all project works. He urged the concerned departments to finish all languishing projects by 30th September 2023.
Regarding a recent flash flood in Ladakh, the LG instructed the UTDRF team to promptly reach the affected areas with proper communication equipment and lights for rescue operations. He also emphasized clearing blockages from water channels and nullahs.
The importance of presenting a clean Ladakh to tourists was discussed, addressing the issue of waste disposal on trekking routes. The LG suggested involving local Councillors and Sarpanchs in resolving the problem.
Several topics were covered, including keeping funds untied for emergencies, implementing the Deposit Return System, extending Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to mountain states like Ladakh, banning plastic bottles below 500 ml, and making distributors accountable for plastic waste disposal.
The LG empowered the Tourist Development Authority and Panchayats to take action against defaulters in villages.
Present at the meeting were Chairman, LAHDC Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan; Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson; Advisor to LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal; ADGP, Ladakh, SD Jamwal, IPS, and all Departmental Secretaries/ HODs.
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