Buildings beautifully embellished with the bright coloured board games on the floor, protractors, playful railings, national & local maps painted on outer walls, black board on outer side of the school building, mathematics tables, place value and height value charts on the walls. This is how the newly constructed BaLA (Building as a learning Aid) schools buildings constructed under the World Bank funded JTFRP (Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project) look like.

Built under the World Bank funded JTFRP (Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project) work on more than 50 school buildings across the J&K had been taken up with the cumulative cost of Rs 44.79 cr. Most of the school buildings have been constructed in the various remote areas of J&K, where school buildings had been badly damaged during the floods of 2014.

Instead of adopting the conventional design in the building construction, a creative and fun-loving way of the design is being used in BaLA designed schools with the use of attractive and colourful patterns in order to build an captivating atmosphere for the children that would act as a catalyst for the child-friendly learning process at school as the little kids often find the traditional school buildings monotonous which are dominated by the black boards, grey painted doors/ windows and white washed walls.

“ The school buildings constructed using BaLA design under World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project provide a very creative environment for children and has provided us means to adopt play way method of teaching which children find attractive and it is also helped in controlling the drop out of children” said Harjeet Singh , Teacher at Balicharana Govt Primary School,

Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project had taken up the work for construction of 51 Govt. primary school buildings across the Jammu & Kashmir using the BaLa (Building as a learning aid) design.
br>The introduction of the BaLA design in the construction of Govt. school buildings is viewed as a very positive development by parents. “BaLA designed school buildings present a very impressive look which are more elegantly designed than the buildings of most of the renowned private schools” says Muhammad Ashraf a parent of 8 year old child

BaLA (Building as a Learning Aid) design of the school buildings introduced under the World Bank funded JTFRP (Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project) is an innovative designing of the school buildings with an objective of turning the school building into a very potent teaching aid for the school children.

5-member technical team of World Bank led by Shri Deepak Singh, Sr. Disaster Risk Management specialist and comprising of Ms. Neha Vyas, Sr. Environmental Specialist, Ms. Harjot Kaur, Sr, Social Safeguard, Specialist, Peeyush Sekhsaria, Disaster Risk Management Specialist and Mr Manzoor Khan, Operations Specialist visited valley from 9th to 11th November to review the progress on World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project being executed by J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency.

Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, (IAS) Chief Executive Officer, JKERA had a detailed meeting with the team regarding the progress of the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project. Dr. Abid said that project during the last 2 years has shown a remarkable progress with more than 144 sub-projects completed out of the total of 213 sub-projects under different components of JTFRP. He added that Construction & Installation of (30) Manifold Oxygen Plants in various remote areas of J&K as well as procurement of various specialized critical health care equipments and ALS (All Life Support) Ambulances for the hospitals across the J&K at an approximate cost of Rs 290 Cr has proved to be crucial in strengthening of Health care system in the UT. Similarly he said the introduction of BaLA design in the construction of school buildings, use of innovative road construction techniques like Rigid Concrete Pavement, use of Arched, designs in the construction of bridges etc. are some of the highlights of the Project.

The World Bank team expressed the hope that innovative features introduced under the project - BaLA (Building as a Learning Aid) design in the construction of school buildings, development of campus management for the higher education buildings, Green building concept will be mainstreamed.

During the 3-day visit the team visited the various works being executed by J&KERA under World Bank funded JTFRP across the valley which included the construction of Rs 7.19 Cr Science block at Amar Singh Degree College, Srinagar and Rs 13.34 Cr. Additional block at Women’s Degree College, MA road Srinagar. Team was informed that work on the construction of 4-storeyed Additional Block at Govt. Womens Degree College, M.A road having a plinth area of 560 sqmtrs has been completed. The construction of additional block in the college would enable the enrolment of additional female students in the college which is now part of the cluster university.

During visit to Amar Singh Degree College, Srinagar it was informed that the new 5-storeyed building having a plinth area of 650 sqmtrs. includes space for Chemistry laboratories, Botany and Zoology museums and labs and has provided the State of Art, infrastructural facilities for science education in one of the reputed colleges in Srinagar which is now a part of Cluster university.

During visit to the Anantnag District , World Bank team visited Rs 2.28 Cr. additional block at Womens Degree College, Anantnag as also Rs 9.21 Cr. additional block at Beijbehara, both constructed under the World Bank funded, JTFRP. Work on construction of Additional block at Women,s Degree College, Anantnag has been completed while as work on the construction of Additional block at GDC, Bijbehara is in final stages and would be completed by Dec,2022 it was said

In District Kulgam the team visited the 400 mtrs Chambgund bridge which is being constructed under the World Bank funded JTFRP at a cost of Rs 32.24 Cr. The 400 metre 2-lane steel trussed Girder bridge over the Vishaw nallah in Kulgam is one of the longest bridges to be constructed in the District and is crucial to providing all weather connectivity to several villages of Block Devsar with the District headquarters.

Team also visited the Govt.Primary school, Naikpora, Kulgam which is one of many BaLA designed school buildings constructed under the World Bank funded JTFRP across the J&K. Team had an interaction with children, teachers and local people. The local community expressed its gratitude to the World Bank for funding the construction of BaLA designed school building in the remote village of Kulgam.

During visit to Ganderbal, District the World Bank team visited Wayil, bridge the 1st , Arch designed steel truss bridge being constructed in Kashmir valley. The Aesthetically designed Arch type 110 mtr bridge over Sindh, Nallah in District Ganderbal taken up under the World Bank funded JTFRP at a cost of Rs 23.79 Cr. would be vital to providing the hassle free movement of vehicles on the Srinagar –Leh road .

The Visiting World bank team also visited the Willow- Wicker Artisan Cluster at Shalbug, Ganderbal, which has been developed under the Strengthening of Livelihood component of the World Bank funded, JTFRP. The Artisans associated with the Willow –wicker cluster explained the team about the different stages involved in the manufacturing of the willow products like, raw materials, seasoning, finishing etc. The Artisans expressed thankfulness to World Bank team for having taken up the development of Willow-Wicker cluster which was otherwise going through a lean patch. The Artisans said that development of the Willow Wicker Cluster has reinvigorated the sector and has provided the immense economic opportunities for local youth as they have been provided with trainings in product development, use of assorted raw materials, providing of market access, managerial skills under the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project.

A high level team of World Bank comprising of Shri, Hemang Karelia, Task Team Leader, Shri Deepak Singh, Sr. Disaster Risk Management specialist, Dr Chandershekhar, consultant /former Chief Architect, Ministry of Health, Govt of India, Ms. Supriti Dua, Financial Expert, Arghya Ghosh, Livelihood consultant, Peeyush Sekhsaria, Disaster Risk Management Specialist and Mr Manzoor Khan, Operations Specialist, today concluded its 5 day visit to J&K

During last 5 days the team had comprehensive discussions with PMU (Project Management Unit) of Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project and various PIUs (Project Implementation Units) JKERA, PWD(R&B), I&CD, SMC, which are executing various sub-projects under the different components of the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project.

Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (IAS) Chief Executive Officer J&KERA during meeting with World Bank team said that 143 sub-projects out of the total of 213 sub-projects have been completed under different components of the JTFR project. He added that expenditure of Rs 1131.51 Crores has been incurred under the project so far .

The completed sub-projects include various vital road/bridge sub-projects in both Jammu and Kashmir Division, Construction of BaLA (Building as a Learning Aid) designed schools across J&K, Installation of the (30) Manifold Oxygen Generation plants in hospitals located in most remote areas of the J&K, Providing of the Critical Care medical equipments to the District Hospitals across J&K, Construction of various Storm Water Drainage projects, Development of DSS (Decision Support System), IOFS (Integrated Operational Forecasting System), Study on MHRA (Multihazard Risk Assessment) for Strengthening of Disaster Management Capacity in J&K he said

Dr Syed Abid alongwith the visiting World Bank team also visited the under construction 120 bedded hospital at Bone & Joints Hospital which is being executed under JTFRP at an allotted cost of Rs 88.95 crores by NPCC (National Projects Construction Corporation) . It was informed that around 48% progress has been achieved on the project as a whole.

CEO, ERA directed the executing agency, NPCC to ensure that the highest standards of construction be maintained on execution of work with no compromises whatsoever on the timelines for the project

Dr. Chandrashekhar, Consultant, World Bank, former Chief Architect, Ministry of Health, Govt of India, asked the contractor that work on the sub-project be executed in such a manner so that the installation of the medical equipments & other hi-tech equipments in the new building is synchronised and seamless. Er. Rafiq Ahmad Rafiq Chief Engineer, (PWD) (R&B) Kashmir, Dr. Saima,Rashid, Principal GMC, Srinagar, Medical Superintendent, B&J Hospital & Sr Faculty members of the Bone & Joints Hospital were also present on the occasion.

The World Bank team also had a meeting with Ms. Saloni Rai, Director, Industries & Commerce, Kashmir during which the progress achieved under the component of Restoration & Strengthening of Livelihoods being executed by I&CD was discussed. It was said that with completion of New Composite Market Centre for Silk at Rajbagh and Composite Market Centre for wool at Bemina and installation of latest spinning/weaving equipments under the JTFR project the production capacity at these centres is showing a gradual increase.

The team also had an interaction with the members of the artisans of the (04) artisan craft clusters- Papier machie, Zadibal ,Crewel/ Chain Stitch, Noorbagh, Wool cluster, Bandipore ,and Willow Wicker, Ganderbal which have been developed under Restoration & Strengthening of livelihood component of World Bank funded JTFRP.

Shri Hemang Karelia, World Bank expressed the hope that I&CD would develop market linkages to these artisans clusters and also devise a strategy for sustenance of these clusters after culmination of the project.

The visiting team also had meetings with Senior officers of , JKERA, PMU, JTFRP PWD, R&B, Kashmir and SMC wherein they were briefed about the progress achieved on the components of Construction of Roads and Bridges, Construction of Critical Infrastructure, Strengthening of Disaster Management Capacity aswell as Strengthening of Urban Flood Management being implemented by these agencies respectively.

World Bank team also visited the project site of construction of EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) and SCADA control Room at Ompura being constructed by J&KERA at an allotted cost of Rs 34.88 Cr. under the World Bank funded JTFRP to strengthen Disaster Management Capacity in J&K.

Earlier during their 2 day stay in Jammu the World Bank team visited Sidhra-Suransar road, BaLA schools buildings constructed Puranapind R.S Pura ,Gujjarr Basti, Karnailacheck,, Jammu Division. The visiting World Bank had interactions with school children/ teachers at these newly constructed BaLa schools. The school children studying in these schools shared their positive experiences of learning in an altogether innovative ambience.

During visit to the (02) 300 LPM Oxygen Generation Plants constructed by J&KERA at Gaghwal and Hiranagar Hospitals, team interacted with medical professionals working in these hospitals. Locals of the areas expressed their gratitude to World Bank for having constructed the Oxygen plants in the hospitals.

Team also visited under construction (50m) steel motorable bridge from Katheel Ganjoo to Barsoa over Ghordi Nallah & 50 M span steel bridge from Barsoa to Patri over Barmeen Nallah in Udhampur District being constructed by J&KERA at a cost of 13.24 Crores.

PowerPoint Presentation was also made by the Director, Technical, J&KERA giving out details of the progress achieved on the implementation of World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project in the Jammu Division. Director, Jammu JKERA, and other senior officers of PWD (R&B) were also present on the occasion.

Dr Raghav Langar, (IAS) Secretary, Planning Development and Monitoring Department today inspected the progress of work on Central Control Building for UT level EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) & SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Control Room Building being constructed by J&K ERA under the World Bank funded JTFRP (Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project) at Ompura,Budgam .

Er. Javaid Bukhari, Director Kashmir, JKERA, while briefing the Secretary, PDMD about the main features of the sub-project said that State of Art Emergency Operations Centre being constructed at an allotted cost of Rs 34.88 Cr provides for all the Integrated facilities required for the efficient & seamless management of an emergency situation under one roof .

He said that UT level Emergency Operations Centre being constructed inside SIDCO complex at Ompura, Budgam comprises of Main Control Building with G+1 floor having a built up area of 27,205 sfts that will also house Central Control Room for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Centre, Service Block with built up area of 3,224 sft, Dormitory Building for NDRF & UTDRF personnel with all facilities like Dining Hall, Kitchen, Recreation Room with the plinth area of 8,222 sfts and large sized warehouse having the plinth area of 11,248 sfts which will be used for the stocking of various relief and rescue equipment’s like rescue boats, potable pumps and essential food commodities. The EOC centre will also have two concrete platforms sized 2100x2 for pitching of tents for evacuation and will also have Helipad for emergency landing of Helicopters he added.

Giving details about the progress of work on the project Er. Iftikhar Wani, Director Technical, JTFRP said that reinforcement work for ground slab is in progress on the Dormitory Block while as reinforcement work for laying of rafts on Main Control building and excavation work for laying of platform for the Service Block and foundation for Warehouse Block is underway at present. Construction of 1,125 mtrs of boundary wall around the EOC has been completed he added.

Er. Iftikhar Hakim, Director Planning & Coordination , JTFRP said that the EOC are also being equipped with all the latest modern web-based –I.T enabled tools, used for the forecasting of natural disasters and coordinating the relief and rescue operations in case of any natural disasters like earthquake, floods, avalanches, snow storm etc. These web-based tools include (Decision Support System), IOFS (Integrated Operational Flood Forecasting System), DRDB (Disaster Risk Database) which have already been developed by JKERA under the World Bank funded JTFRP and handed over to the DMRRR (Department of Disaster Management Relief Rehabilitation & Reconstruction).

Er. Hakim further said that the SCADA Central Control building which would also be housed in the centre will be equipped with the latest SCADA System which has also been taken up under JTFR project and work on the installation of this system in the various pumping stations across the Srinagar city is in progress.

He further said that work on the installation of SCADA systems in the 80 pumping stations in Srinagar city is in progress with the work being undertaken through M/S Siemens which is installing he-tech equipments like PLC (Program Logic Control) Level switches, level transducers, level transmitters etc along with the installation of I.T facilities like Broadband, GPRS and V-Sat for ensuring the 24x7 internet connectivity of each pumping station with the Central SCADA Control Room Building at Ompura.

The SCADA is a latest system of software and hardware that would allow remotely controlling, switching on /off, help in timely identification of faults and monitoring the operations like managing the flow virtually in all the dewatering stations in Srinagar City.

Dr Raghav Langar said that such a State of Art facility equipped with all the latest I.T enabled hardware and software coupled with requisite Infrastructure facilities under one roof is being constructed for the development of a robust disaster management infrastructure in the U.T and would be backbone of the scientific Management of emergencies situations in J&K

Secretary, PDMD also asked the Director, Technical, JTFRP to take up the matter of alternative access to the EOC with the Chief Engineer, PWD(R&B) Kashmir. He also directed the engineers, quality audit consultants of JTFRP to strictly monitor the quality of work on the sub-project at each stage of execution .

Secretary, PD&MD further directed the executing agency to expedite the pace of work on the coveted project and ensure its completion within the stipulated timelines .

Dr.Raghav Langer, Secretary, Planning Development and Monitoring Dept, Govt of J&K today chaired a meeting to review the preparedness on the proposed projects to be executed by J&KERA with the financial assistance of ADB (Asian Development Bank) and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) at Civil Secretariat Jammu here today.

Er. Iftikhar Hakim, Director, Planning & Coordination, JTFRP said that J&KERA under the forthcoming mega infrastructure projects proposed to be financed by Asian Development Bank and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) intends to undertake the projects for the Construction of integrated Sewerage and Water supply schemes for the Greater Srinagar and Jammu cities to provide the people living in these rapidly expanding cities with basic urban facilities.

Secretary, PDMD asked the Officers of JKERA to be ready with the list of tentative projects to be taken up under the proposed ADB and JICA after due consultations with the line departments especially PWD(R&B), Jal Shakti and Housing and Urban Development Department so that further consultations are taken up at the highest level with the concerned line Departments and list of these tentative projects alongwith the PPRs’ (Preliminary Projects Reports ) are submitted to the DEA (Department of Economic Affairs) Ministry of Finance , Govt. of India for its review which will be followed up by the meeting with the Administrative Secretaries of these Departments

It was given out that projects worth Rs 1100 Crore and Rs 4600 Crore are proposed to be taken up under these forthcoming projects which would pave way for further strengthening and expansion of urban infrastructure in the UT .

Meeting was also attended by the Er, Iftikhar Wani, Director Technical,JTFRP,, Er Javaid Bukhari, Director Kashmir, JKERA, Er. Ajay Kumar, Raju, Director, Jammu, JKERA, Tasawuf Amin, Director, Finance, JKERA ,Er. Ishtiyaq Malik, Project Manager, JKERA,Er, Ashok Khokar Project Manager, Transport, JKERA, Jammu and Er. Nand Kishore Project Manager, Urban Jammu

The State of Art Web-based tools which include the DSS (Decision Support System) DRDB (Disaster Risk Database) and IOFS (Integrated Operational Forecasting System) developed by J&K ERA under the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project for the Strengthening of Disaster Management and Mitigation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have been handed over by the J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency to the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

The Project Management Unit of Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project led by Er. Iftikhar Hakim, Director Planning and Coordination, JTFRP handed over the web based tools of DSS, DRDB and IOFS to Mr. NazimZai Khan, (KAS) Secretary to Govt. DMRRR. The reports on MHRA (Multihazard Risk Assessment in J&K &Ladakh) and DSS conducted by Project Management Unit of JTFRP under the World Bank funded project were also shared on the occasion.

Detailed demonstration of the web-based tools of DSS, IOFS, DRDB developed under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project was also made before the Secretary, DMRRR and other officers of the Dept.

Secretary to Govt. DMRRR appreciated the efforts made by JKERA for having undertaken the development of latest scientific web-based applications under the World Bank funded project He also asked the officers of the DMRRR to immediately migrate to these applications so that the DMRRR, UTDMA (UT level Disaster Management Authority) and DDMAs (District Disaster Management Authorities) are able to fully benefit from these applications.

DSS is software for developing the better two – way communication between the different stakeholders that help them to effectively use the resources for the emergency response and Disaster Management, It equips the concerned line agencies –UTDMA, DDMA’s and the stakeholders departments with a potent and effective tool of a reliable communication bridge and strengthens theircapacitiesto act promptly during emergencies.

The development of Decision Support System along with the development of DRDB (Disaster Risk Database) and IOFS (Integrated Operational Forecasting System) for hydro-meteorological hazards such as floods, flash floods, avalanches and drought developed under the World Bank funded JTFRP is a robust integrated scientific system which will form the backbone of the Emergency Operation Centre--The command and control system for the Disaster Management in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir-- DEOCs’(District Emergency Operations Centres).

Er. Iftikhar Hakim, Director P&C also handed over the Report on the Upgraded Design Guidelineswith respect to the Multiple Disasters in the J&K with specific reference to the Seismic Zone 4 &5 was also formally handed over to the Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Dept, J&K Govt.

The manuals prepared for the non-engineered constructions in the UT were also handed over to the Principal Secretary, H&UDD with the request to advise the urban local bodies, (municipal corporations, municipal committees) and the urban development authorities to disseminate the manuals to the citizens through their official websites and other possible means.

Dr. Raghav Langer, Secretary ,Planning Development and Monitoring Dept, Govt of J&K today reviewed the progress on the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project being executed by JKERA (Jammu and Economic Reconstruction Agency) at Civil Secretariat, Srinagar here today.

Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Chief Executive Officer, JKERA/JTFRP while giving out the details of the World Bank funded JTFRP said that out of the total of 213 sub-projects taken up under (6) different components of the project namely Strengthening of Critical Infrastructure, Construction of roads and bridges, Strengthening of the Livelihoods, Strengthening of the Urban Flood Management, Strengthening of the Disaster Management Capacity and Contingency Emergency Response work on 132 sub-projects has been completed till date and work on remaining 84 is in advanced stage of execution.

It was further informed that contracts worth Rs 1750.20 crores have been awarded and disbursements to the tune of Rs 1051.32 has been made under the project till date.

Executive Director, JKPCC which is executing work on (08) bridge and (03) road projects under JTFRP informed that work on all the bridges is in full swing while as work on (02) road upgradation projects has already been completed and work on Ambarpora-Haritar project is underway and expected to be completed very soon.

He said that JKPCC work on the Construction of additional block at Lal Ded Maternity Hospital, Srinagar is also underway. Drawings for the proof checking of designs for the sub-structure have been received from IIT and work on the component is expected to be tendered end of this month

Dr. Raghav Langar, Secretary, Planning Development and Monitoring Dept. directed the JKPCC to take up work on the remaining components of the prestigious project in a planned and coordinated manner and simultaneously go for parallel activities like procurement of medical equipments for the project

Dr.Raghav also asked the JKPCC officers present in the meeting to ensure the completion of all works allotted to it under JTFRP within the set timelines.

Rafiq Ahmad Rafiq, Chief Engineer, PWD, Kashmir informed that work on the (05) higher education buildings and on the construction of the additional building in Bone & Joints Hospital Barzulla and administrative Block at Fire & Emergency Hqrs at Batmaloo, being executed by PWD, R&B Kashmir under JTFRP is in full swing. He said that work on (05) higher education buildings and Building at F&E Hqrs is in advanced stages while as considerable progress has been achieved on the construction of superstructure at additional hospital block at Bone & Joints Hospital, Barzulla, He also said that out of the total of (29) school buildnigs being executed by R&B, Kashmir work on 24 school buildings has been already been completed and work on remaining (5) will be completed by the set deadline.

Manzoor Ahmad Khan, Chief Engineer, PWD, Jammu informed that out ofwork on (13) has been complted while as work on remaining will be completed by Dec, 2022

Er, Ahsanul Haq, Superintending Engineer, Srinagar Municipal Corporation informed that work on the upgradation of (49) Dewatering stations in Srinagar being executed by SMC, under World Bank funded JTFRP is in full swing on both civil and electromechanical components.

Er. Javid Bukhari, Director ERA, Kashmir informed that out of the (04) mega storm water drainage projects being executed by JKERA work on Nadru Drainge scheme has already been completed while as work on the (03) drainage projects is in advanced stage of execution. He added that JKERA is also presently executing work on (02) road upgradation projects namely Hamray-Sultanpora- Ajas –Sumbal road in Baramulla/ Bandipora, and Sangam-Khudwani- Bijbehara-Waghama road in Anantnag while as work on the (03) upgradation of the Parimpora-Soibugh road, Rigid Concrete Pavment road from Humhama-Peerbagh and Civil secretariat to Rambagh has already been completed by JKERA

Director, Kashmir added that work on the construction of Rs 34. Cr UT level (EOC) Emergency operations centre at Ompura, Budgam is also underway in full swing .

Nodal Officer, Industries and Commerce Dept, said that out of the total of 26 sub-projects executed by I&CD work on 17 has been completed which include construction of Composite market centre for wool at Bemina, Composite market centre for Silk at Rajbagh , procurement of latest equipments for these newly constructed centres under JTFRP besides the development of Artisan Cluster for Papier machie , Crewel, Wool and Pashmina.

Secretary Planning Development and Monitoring Dept was also informed that under CERC component of JTFRP work on (29) Oxygen plants in most remote areas of J&K has been already completed at a cost of Rs 69 crore under the World Bank funded JTFRP. Further under the same component more than 64 type of critical care medical equipments have been procured and provided to District Hospitals across the J&K at a cost of Rs 289 Cr.

Er. Iftikhar Hakim, Director Planning and Coordination, JTFRP informed that under the component of Strengthening of Disaster Mangement various significant sub-projects which include Development of the DSS (Decision Support System) DRDB( Disaster Risk Database, MHRA (Multihazard Risk Assesemment in J&K) and Upgradtion of the Building Codes in J&K have already been completed under the World Bank funded JTFRP. In addition several rescue equipments like Rubber inflatable boats, Quick Response vehicles, Multipurpose fire tenders, and other equipments like All Life Support Ambulances have been provided to the SDRF, F&E Dept and Health Dept .

Dr. Raghav Langar, Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Dept stressed upon all the PIUs( Project Implementation Units ) executing various sub-projects under JTFRP to work in unison and close coordination to ensure the timely completion of the project.

Meeting was also attended by Shahzada Bilal, Director General PDMD, Er, Iftikhar Wani, Director Technical, JTFRP, Er, Ajay Kumar, Raju, Director, Jammu, JKERA, Tasawuf Amin, Director, Finance, JKERA,Er. Ishtiyaq Malik, Project Manager, JKERA,Transport

Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, J&K today inaugurated Rs 16.70 Cr. Sidhra- Suransar road upgradation project completed by Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency (JKERA)

Hon’ble L.G said that the Rs 16.70 Cr road project executed by JKERA is very vital as it provides the road connectivity to the various pilgrimage and tourist destination in and around the Jammu District.

The vital road project will facilitate the socio-economic development of areas including Bajalta, ChakChilah, Badgah, Aithem andSuransar, benefitting around 5 lac souls in the region

The road will give a boost to the tourism sector in the Jammu and adjoining areas as it completes the pilgrimage/tourist circuit from Pumandal. Mansar, Devkand, connecting with Vaishno Devi shrine and Sudhmahadev in Reasi and Udhampur District.

Day before on 7th, of June, 2022 Hon’ble Lieutenant had e-inaugurated (09) projects worth Rs 137.35 Cr. completed by JKERA under World Bank funded JTFRP in Raj Bhavan, Srinagar which included (05) road upgradation and bridge project and various high end IT enabled tools like- DSS (Decision Support System), DRDB (Disaster Risk Database) developed under the JTFRP to strengthen the Disaster Management in the UT of JK.

Member of parliament Jammu, Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma, Mayor Jammu Municipal, Shri Chander Mohan Gupta, Former legislator, Shri Devinder Singh Rana, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Chief Executive Officer, JKERA, Shri Ramesh Kumar Divisional Comissioner, Jammu ,Avny Lavsa, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu and other senior officers of UT administration and JKERA and JTFRP were present on the occasion

Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, J&K today e-inaugurated (09) projects worth Rs 137.35 crores completed by J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency under the World Bank funded , Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project

Hon’ble L.G inaugurated the (29) Oxygen Generation Plants constructed by J&KERA under the CERC (Contingency Emergency Response) component of the World Bank funded JTFRP. Work on the (30) Oxygen Generation Plants was taken up by J&KERA on war footing in later part of 2021 and got completed within the shortest possible time. The project involved the procurement and installation of the PSA(Pressure Swing Absorption) based “Manifold Oxygen Plants” which have been recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization) for the treatment of the COVID-19 patients suffering from acute respiratory stress and critical to the recovery of seriously ill COVID-19 patients. The availability of this critical care equipment’s at the sub-district and community level hospitals will be significant in scaling down the deaths caused due to the COVID-19.

The project also involved the construction of the building for housing of the oxygen generation plant as per the prescribed specifications, installation and procurement of electro-mechanical components of main oxygen concentrator, air compressor, air receiver tanks, filtration system, air dryers, oxygen receiver tanks, bulk cylinders, oxygen regulating manual tanks, oxygen flowmeters, digital gas alarm, compressed air, Nitrous gas system which will be backed up with the 24X7 power supply with 125 KVA transformers, 150 KVA servo-stabilizers and all other necessary wherewithal to make the plants fully operational round the clock.

It was said that installation of (29) OGPs at the hospitals located in most remote areas across the U.T having a cumulative capacity of around 11,000 LPM can be termed as one of the most significant accomplishment under the JTFRP. With the installation of these facilities in most remote areas of UT like Mendhar, Sunderbani, Surankote, Banihal, Gandoh, Batote, Banihal, Chenani, Katra, Hajin, Tangmarg,, Qazigund, Zainapora, Yaripora, Akhnoor, Chowki Chaura, Bani, Hirannagar, Gaghwal, Ramgarh, Beerwah, Chari-Sharief Gurez, Tangdar, Tral, Kellar, Kangan, Uri and Kreeri.

With the commissioning of these Oxygen Generation Plants completed at a cost of Rs 69.00 Crores more than 16 lac people living in these most remote areas of the UT have been provided with the life saving facility of medical grade oxygen at the nearest Govt Health facility.

Earlier, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Chief Executive Officer, JKERA/ JTFRP while briefing about the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project said that during the last 2 years 132 sub-projects out of the total of 213 sub-projects have been completed at the cost of ₹ 428.79 Cr. while as work on remaining 81 sub-projects is in the advanced stage of execution.

The dramatic turnaround in the implementation of JTFRP is evident from the fact that during last two years 90% of procurement and 80% of disbursements under the project have been undertaken during the (2020-2021) as against 10% of procurement and 20% disbursements achieved during the initial (04) four years of the project i.e. from 2016-2019.

The upgradation of the (5) vital road projects –namely- Parimpora-Soibugh road in Srinagar/Budgam, Rigid Concrete Pavement road from Civil –Secretariat to Rambagh in Srinagar, Anji-Panasa in Reasi, Halmullah- Panchpora –Kralkut in Anantnag and Litter-Chakura-Chowdhary Bagh in Pulwama and one bridge 43 M Span steel deck bridge over Anji Nallah at Sukhal Nallah at Sukhal Ghati in Reasi completed at a cumulative cost of Rs 35.74 crores will provide the improved road connectivity to population of around 5 lac souls living in these various areas and provide them with the faster and improved access to markets, health, educational facilities and lead to creation of more jobs in tourism and other sectors.

The study on the Multihazard Risk Assesment in J&K and two significant IT based tools for the Strengthening of the Disaster Management in the UT namely Development of DSS (Decision Support System) and DRDB (Disaster Risk Database) developed under the JTFRP were also released on the occasion by the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor.

The tools developed would definitely revolutionize the Disaster Management Infrastructure in J&K and give Disaster specialists and concerned line agencies dealing with emergencies a latest and modern tools to timely forecast the various impending calamities thus prevent loss of precious lives and property due to these.

The Upgraded Building Codes for J&K developed under World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project were also unveiled by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor on the occasion.

The 2- member World Bank Technical team comprising of Shri Peeyush Sekhsaria, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist and Shri. Manzoor Khan Operations Specialist, today concluded it's 4- day visit to Jammu. During its visit to Jammu the team reviewed the progress of ongoing Projects being executed by JKERA under World Bank funded Jhelum & Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP). The visiting team had series of meetings with senior officers of ERA and R&B Jammu and also visited various sites during its stay in Jammu.

During their visit to various schools, which included GPS Beli Charana, GHS Chak Majra, GPS Gujjar Basti, GMS Purana Pind, the World Bank Team lauded the work done by JKERA in the execution of project. The school buildings have been constructed using the BaLA ( Building as A Learning Aid) design under component-I of JTFRP i.e. Reconstruction and strengthening of critical infrastructure of World Bank Funded JTFRP Project. The Team had interactions with Teachers, Staff, Community members and children studying in these schools. The stakeholders appreciated World Bank & JKERA for constructing the schools buildings using creative Bala design and expressed gratitude to the World Bank for providing state of the art school infrastructure in remote areas. Senior officers/officials of R&B Jammu, which is the Project Implementation Unit for the construction of school buildings, also accompanied the World Bank and ERA Team

The Technical team also visited the 300 LPM Manifold Oxygen Plant at GAH, Gaghwal, one of the (30) Manifold Oxygen Plants constructed by J&KERA under Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project across the UT. During the visit to Rs. 13.24 crore sub project involving the construction of 58 mts Steel Motorable Bridge from Katheel Ganjoo to Barsoa over Ghordi Nallah and 50 mts span Steel Motorable Bridge from Barsoa to Patri over Barmeen Nallah along with approach roads in Udhampur district, the team was informed that these motorable bridges will be the vital link between Katheel, Ganjo, Plarn, Ramain, Barmeen, Kuh Nallah, Barata, Barsoa, Pathri, Bari, Sanetar and Bhatyari villages. Construction of these bridges will give boost to socio-economic activity in the region.

During their visit to Rs 16.71 crore, 18.29 km Sidhra Surinsar Road, the team expressed satisfaction on the progress of the work . The team also visited the 11 km long Tutan Di Khuie to Khada Madana Road being upgraded at the cost of Rs.26.62 crores.

Peeyush Sekhsaria, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist said that the World bank is glad to know that the schools building built under JTFRP, across the UT under World Bank funded project have considerably upgraded the education sector and pleased to hear that the enrollment in schools has increased considerably after the construction of BaLA based buildings.

The World Bank Team was accompanied by Director Technical Iftikhar Ahmad Wani, Director Jammu Ajay Kumar Raju, Project Manager Transport Ashok Kumar Khokhar, Project Manager Hydraulic Nand Kishore Gupta and other senior officers/officials of ERA and consultants.