Srinagar, Dec 09 (KNS): Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Sarmad Hafeez, today reviewed development works undertaken by the Tourism Department in a meeting of officers and Chief Executive Officers of various Tourism Development Authorities.

He also took stock of progress on PMDP projects being executed by the department.

Secretary underscored the need for timely completion of all ongoing development works in view of an encouraging tourist influx and approaching snow season. He laid stress on prioritizing works related to wayside facilities and public utilities along the highways to facilitate tourists and visitors.

Sarmad Hafeez stressed on strict adherence to all set quality parameters while executing works being undertaken. He asked the engineers to get the designs of works prepared as per local architectural patterns and type designs. He asked the engineers and officers to ensure that funds earmarked for various development works are expended judiciously within time schedule while ensuring that no liabilities are created.

Secretary impressed upon the CEOs, Engineering heads and other officers to regularly review the execution of projects and address the bottlenecks, if any, to ensure timely execution of these projects.

He had an extensive review of physical and financial achievements recorded till date under different tourism development projects envisaging expansion of facilities for the tourists.

It was informed in the meeting that many projects are advancing as per decided timelines and are at different stages of execution. Besides, the lagging projects are also being assiduously pursued by the concerned agencies to ensure their expeditious completion.

Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. G N Itoo, Chief Executive Officers of various Tourism Development Authorities and officers of Tourism Department were present in the meeting while Director, Tourism, Jammu, Vivekanand Rai and other officers participated from Jammu online. (KNS)