Governor reviews progress of restoration of flood damaged infrastructure

JAMMU, JANUARY 14: Governor N.N. Vohra chaired a meeting at the State Civil Secretariat here today to review the work of restoration of flood damaged infrastructure including the provisions under the P M’s Special Package 2015 for restoration and rehabilitation of the State through “The Aggregate Macro Economic and Infrastructure Rebuilding (TAMEIR)” Plan (2015-2022). The meeting was attended by Mr. B.R. Sharma, Chief Secretary; Mr. P.K. Tripathi, Principal Secretary to Governor; Mr. Sundeep K. Nayak, Principal Secretary, Relief & Rehabilitation; Mr. Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner/ Secretary Power Development Department; Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Commissioner/ Secretary, Finance Department; Mr. Rohit Kansal, Commissioner/ Secretary, Public Works (R&B); and Mr. Parvez Ahmad Malik, Secretary PHE/I&FC.
The Governor was informed that Rs. 1000 crore was sanctioned as Special Plan Assistance under Annual Plan 2014-15 for the permanent restoration of infrastructure damaged during September 2014 floods, of which of Rs. 980.08 crore had been released to various various departments; Rs. 308.56 crore had been utilized during 2014-15 and Rs. 511.51 crore has been revalidated for utilization during 2015-16. Governor was informed that out of 202 bridges, restoration of 52 bridges has been completed, utilizing Rs. 162.59 crore. For the permanent restoration of Water Supply Schemes: 598 schemes/ spots have so far been restored by utilizing Rs. 63.18 crore out of total release of Rs. 98.92 crore. Under the Irrigation and Flood Control sector, 1398 schemes/ spots have been restored so far by utilizing Rs. 100.55 crore.
The Governor noted that Rs. 1458 crore has been earmarked, under PM’s Special Package 2015, for implementing “Comprehensive Plan for Flood Management Works on Jhelum”. Under this Project,“Priority Works- Comprehensive Plan for Flood Management Works on Jhelum-Phase-I” costing Rs. 399.29 crore has since been sanctioned by the Government of India and the tenders have been finalized for dredging of Srinagar and Baramulla sections. The Governor directed the Secretary, Irrigation and Flood Control to ensure time-bound completion of dredging at the estimated cost of Rs. 46 crore and asked the Chief Secretary to send him an Action Plan, including PERT Chart by 15th January for ensuring timely execution of dredging works. The Governor directed time-bound completion of all emergent works in the Mission mode by constituting a Group headed by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to promptly deal with all matters connected with land acquisition, removal of encroachments etc. He also Chief secretary to issue formal directions to all concerned officers to devote day to day attention to all emergent Flood Management Works including dredging, strengthening of bunds and removal of encroachment along Jhelum and its tributaries. Governor asked Chief Secretary to send him progress reports every ten days, beginning 20th January 2016.
The Governor was informed that under TAMEIR, which aims at the restoration and upgradation of economic infrastructure, Rs. 1194 crore has been received for extending assistance for completely damaged, severely damaged and partially damaged Pucca and Kacha houses. Governor noted that approximately Rs. 200 crore had already been disbursed out of the SDRF for payment of ex-gratia relief to the flood sufferers. In addition, under Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), relief at the rate of Rs. 1.00 lac for fully damaged pucca houses, Rs. 0.50 lac for fully damaged kacha houses and severely damaged pucca houses, Rs. 25,000 for partially damaged pucca houses, Rs. 10,000 for severely damaged kacha houses and Rs. 5,000 for partially damaged kacha houses has also been disbursed to the affected people directly by the NDMA.
The Governor directed the Chief Secretary to ensure that special teams are immediately set up for on-the-spot physical verification of the restoration works carried out by various agencies.
The Governor also directed the Chief Secretary to ensure preparation of a detailed scheme, by 22nd January 2016, for the disbursement of relief to PoK refugees, for submission to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Shri Vohra also directed that the Subsidiary agreement required to be signed with the Ministry of Finance for availing the World Bank Assistance for Rs. 1500 crore Jhelum-Tawi Flood Reconstruction Project be also expedited so that the reconstruction works can be be timely taken up. The Governor also asked the Chief Secretary to finalize by 20th January 2016 the scheme for interest subvention for restoration of livelihood for traders/ self employed/ business establishments etc. for which Rs. 800 crore has been provided under PM’s Package 2015.