Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 19: Member of Parliament (MP) Thupstan Chhewang today called on Chief Secretary and Financial and Planning Commissioner, Department of Ladakh Affairs, here today.
MP has taken up the matter of financial-crisis in LAHDC Leh due to non-releasing of pending funds by State Government because of which many developmental works remained pending and liabilities are yet to be paid.
He asked the concerned authorities for release of the sanctioned amounts of grant-in-aid under 13th Finance Commission for upgradation of Power Distribution network in Leh District and the committed amounts of 16 crore for the Kalachakra:2014 completely.
In the high level meeting between the MP Ladakh and Secretaries, Thupstan Chhewang produced a letter copy submitted by Ex. Engineer, Electric M&E Division Leh District which writes that the 13 Finance Commission under State specific Grants has awarded a Grant of Rs 15 Crore for Improvement and Upgradation of Power Distribution networks in Leh District in the year 2012. The sanctioned amount was to be released in four equal installments during the year 2012-13 to 2014-2016.
First installment of Rs 376 Lakh was released in the year 2012 and the work as per the action plan was completed during the same financial year and the utilization of funds released were submitted in time. Thereafter no funds were released by the State Government, because of which improvement works remained pending and after commissioning of 45 Nimoo Bazgo Hydel Project it becomes very dangerous to run the power system due to damaged 11KV and distribution lines in the district.
MP Ladakh has strongly asked for release of balance sanctioned amounts of all the three installments, so that all damaged distribution networks on wooden poles, damaged conductors and other hardware are replaced with steel poles as per the scheme for safe and smooth supply of power to the general public of Leh district.
MP Ladakh has also investigated the operation being taking on Zanskar River Blockage at shun and directed the authorities to resume the movement of standard Trekkers on the way of Chadar route if the situation is unworried.
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