Srinagar, Sep 23 (KNS): Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Wednesday reviewed the physical and financial progress of various schemes and developmental works being executed by the Jal Shakti and Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) departments in Kashmir.

The review meeting was attended by the Chief Engineers of both departments and all Superintending Engineers of the Hydraulic Circles of Kashmir division.

The officers briefed the minister on the progress of ongoing schemes, achievements, bottlenecks and expenditure against funds sanctioned and earmarked for different works.

Detailed discussions were also held on project timelines, implementation status and preparedness for the approaching winter season.

Rana directed the officers to accelerate execution on the ground and ensure that projects nearing completion are completed within the prescribed timelines, particularly before the onset of winter.

Reviewing the Jal Shakti Department, he directed officers to accord priority to incomplete drinking water supply schemes and make every effort to commission them before the winter season.

He also stressed advance functional testing of pipelines, pumping arrangements, storage tanks and other associated infrastructure so that technical deficiencies are identified and rectified in time.

The minister directed the officers to ensure that drinking water infrastructure remains fully operational during the snowbound months and that people do not face avoidable disruptions in water supply.

He called for close field-level monitoring and regular inspections of ongoing works, particularly those nearing completion, to ensure adherence to approved quality standards and timelines.

Reviewing the works under the I&FC Department, Rana directed that de-silting of water channels and strengthening of flood-protection infrastructure and embankments along vulnerable stretches be undertaken on priority.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He asked the Chief Engineer, I&FC, to furnish a river-wise status report on flood-protection works and preparedness of vulnerable areas ahead of the winter season.

Rana said timely completion of flood-protection and irrigation works was essential to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable areas and ensure effective functioning of irrigation infrastructure.

He also directed both departments to maintain close coordination, particularly in overlapping catchment areas, to avoid duplication and ensure optimal utilisation of available resources.

The minister called for joint field verification of works nearing completion, wherever required, to ensure that projects conform to approved specifications and are ready for commissioning within the stipulated timelines.

On financial management, Rana directed officers to expedite the release and utilisation of funds against sanctioned works and avoid unnecessary accumulation of expenditure towards the end of the financial year.

He stressed that physical progress and financial expenditure must move in tandem and that funds allocated for developmental works should be utilised judiciously, transparently and within the prescribed timelines.

Rana said the focus of both departments should remain on ensuring reliable drinking water supply, strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving essential water-related services across the Union Territory.

He directed the officers to maintain regular monitoring, ensure coordination at all levels and promptly address bottlenecks affecting implementation of projects.

The minister emphasised that quality and timely completion of works, along with prudent utilisation of public funds, should remain key priorities of both departments so that the benefits of developmental schemes reach the people in a timely manner.(KNS)