Mr. Muhammad Aijaz Asad (IAS) Secretary to Government/ Chief Executive Officer, J&KERA/ JTFRP chaired a meeting to review the progress of consultancy services for preparing feasibility and detailed project reports for the flood mitigation and comprehensive river management measures for Tawi and Jhelum basins being undertaken as part of the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project at civil secretariat Srinagar here today.

Er. Susheel Kumar, Director, Technical, JTFRP informed that the river morphological studies of Tawi and Jhelum basins are being undertaken as part of the strengthening of disaster management capacity component of the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project.

While giving powerpoint presentation about the progress achieved on the consultancy services for preparing feasibility and detailed project report for the flood mitigation and comprehensive river management for the Jhelum basin, David Sergeant, team leader M/S Eptisa consultancy informed that the peak flow of 3,260 cubic meters (1,15,000) cusecs recorded at Sangam by I&FC (Kashmir) during 2014 floods which has also been adopted by CWC (Central Water Commission) as the 100 year average recurrence interval flow has been used for project design purposes. He said that the major design requirements for the flood risk management is to provide a protection to areas along the banks of river Jhelum and its tributaries.

Team leader, Eptisa further informed that the preliminary recommendations for flood mitigation suggested include, increasing the embankments in Srinagar, increasing the carrying capacity of the flood spill channel with diversion away from the hokersar and Nowgam wetlands together with raising the flood embankments in Srinagar, construction of supplementary flood diversion channel (Dogripora channel extended south to Vishav nallah and discharging to Wular lake and the construction of flood control dams on the Lidder and Vishav nallah.

He added that action plan for the proposed program include the immediate/ short term measures (2 years), mid term measures (5 years) and long term measures and these would include the activities like dredging of Jhelum basin, dredging of its tributaries, development of control plan/licensing of riverbed material extraction, develop, implement and enforce the land use controls for commercial developments on floodplain. Development of flood prone land planning code, designating floodway zone, flood storage zone, flood fringe zones, monitoring climate change impacts, catchment studies, flood risk mapping along with the community flood hazard risk awareness.

CEO, ERA directed the consultants for the Jhelum basin study to further accelerate the progress on the study and maintain strong coordination with I&FC (K) and all the other concerned project stakeholders.

Later the Team Leader M/S Aqualoguous consultancy which has been tasked with the consultancy services for preparing feasibility and detailed project report for the flood mitigation and comprehensive river management for the Tawi basin informed that the scope of the study includes the reviewing and impacts of 2014 floods, preparing the feasibility study and the detailed project report for flood mitigation in Tawi basin .

He said that the consultancy has already prepared and submitted the various tasks included under the study which include the collection of data, developing & calibrating the various hydrological, hydraulic, hydrodynamic models. He added that draft Detailed project report prepared include the proposed engineering designs, drawings, environmental and social impact reports.

As part of the flood risk mitigation measures the study has proposed the flood & erosion management of Tawi basin, desilting works, raising of flood embankments, flood sluices/ regulators at various locations, riverbank works ( concrete walls, Gibbon walls, spurs etc.

Team leader, Aqualogous further informed that suggestions given by the I&FC (J) are being regularly incorporated and report updated accordingly.

CEO, ERA asked both the consultancies to undertake the studies in a fully professional manner and suggest the scientific methods which are most cost effective and would be instrumental in strengthening of flood mitigation measures in the river basins of Jhelum and Tawi.

Meeting was also attended by Er. Susheel Kumar, Director, J&KERA, Er.Baiza Rafeeq, Project Manager ,J&KERA, Er. Shabeer Alamgeer, Deputy Project Manager, J&KERA, Nodal officers of Jal Shakti (I&FC) for the project, and other senior officers of J&KERA, JTFRP and Jal Shakti Department.

J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency today gave a warm send-off to Er. Ajay Kapahi, the outgoing Director, J&KERA who attained superannuation from Govt. service today at an impressive function held at J&KERA office, Rambagh Srinagar the contribution of the officer was recalled and best wishes were given to him for his post retirement life.

Mr. Muhammad Aijaz Asad, Chief Executive Officer,JKERA complemented Er Ajay Kapahi, for attaining superannuation after serving the Government for than 38 years. He also complemented him for being a part of J&KERA team for 15 years and having played a major role in the execution of various ADB and World Bank funded projects.

Chief Executive Officer while remembering the services of Er. Kapahi, wished him all the best for the post-retirement life. He appreciated Er. Ajay Kapahi for having performed his duties with utmost professionalism and dedication.

Er Ajay Kapahi had joined Govt. Service in 1986 at Kangan as J.E, and was later posted in Govt. Medical College Jammu followed by JDA (Jammu Development Authority). He was posted in J&KERA from 2005 to 2018 where the officer served in various capacities and played a crucial role in the completion of various sub-projects that were completed under the the Asian Development Bank funded project. In 2018 he was posted as Executive Engineer, PMGSY Mendhar, and subsequently was posted as Superintending Engineer, Jammu (R&B) having the jurisdiction of Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Sambha and Kathua and consequently after being designated as Chief Engineer Er. Kapahi was posted as Director, Kashmir, JKERA in July,2024.

Er. Rakesh Mahajan, Director, Technical, JTFRP, Dr. Sajad Wani, Chief Accounts Officer, JTFRP , Er, Syed Farhat, Executive Engineer, JKERA, Er, Shabeer Hussain, Executive Engineer, JKERA and all the other staff of JKERA and JTFRP were present on the occasion and wished all the best to Er. Ajay Kapahi on attaining the superannuation from Government service.

Mr. Aijaz Asad (IAS) Chief Executive Officer, J&KERA today chaired a meeting to review the progress of various flagship sub-projects being executed under the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project at J&KERA office, Srinagar here today.

While reviewing the progress of work on the state of art EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) being constructed under JTFRP at an allotted a cost of Rs 40.16 Cr, CEO, ERA was informed that most of the civil component of the work which include the construction of main building, service building, dormitory building has been completed along with the construction of internal roads, boundary walls around the complex and installation of electrical poles etc. Construction of fire fighting tank and other ancillary works is in progress it was said.

CEO, ERA directed the executing agency to immediately take up the work on the installation of HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) system in the building and simultaneously accelerating the work on the other activities under the prestigious sub-project to ensure its timely completion.

State of Art EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) building at Ompura Budgam is being constructed under the component of Strengthening of Disaster Management Capacity of the World Bank funded JTFRP and comprises of Main Control Building with G+1 floor having a built up area of 27,204 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 & SDRF 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 equipments like rescue boats, potable pumps and essential food commodities. EOC centre also has two concrete platforms sized 2100x2 for pitching of tents for evacuation and Helipad for emergency landing of 3 Helicopters.

Later CEO, ERA also reviewed the progress of work on the construction of 160 bedded additional block at Bone and Joint, hospital, Barzulla being constructed at a cost of Rs 103.27 Cr.

CEO, ERA was informed that work on the sub-project is in the advanced stage and work on the installation of lifts, construction of connecting corridor between the old and new hospital buildings, other ancillary work on the main building are in full swing.

CEO ERA directed R&B (PWD) which is PIU (project implementation unit) for the sub-project to further expedite the pace of work and ensure its completion within the stipulated timeline.

The 160 bedded additional block at Bone & Joints Hospital, Barzulla is a much needed addition to health infrastructure in the valley and would provide best quality orthopaedic healthcare facility to the people.

The state of art building has been built using modern earthquake resilient technology, the state of art modular operation theatres, laminar flow system, TSSU (Theatre Sterile Supply Unit), ICU, Pre & Post Operation care wards , CSSD (Central Sterile Supply Department), specialized laundry, pneumatic tube system and waste collection system . The building has IGBC (India Green Building Council) certification; biomedical waste management facility.

While briefing the CEO, JKERA about the progress on the construction of additional block at GDC, Bemina, S.E R&B, (PWD) informed that work on the installation of lifts in the building and other minor ancillary works is being given further push to ensure earliest completion of the sub-project.

CEO, ERA directed the engineers to meticulously monitor the progress of work on all the under execution works being executed under the World Bank funded JTFRP to ensure that all the works are completed within the stipulated project deadline and also directed for strict monitoring of quality parameters of works.

Meeting was also attended by Er. Rakesh Mahajan, Director, Technical, JTFRP, Dr Altaf Kawoosa, Medical Superintendent, Bone & Joint Hospital, Barzulla, Er. Sushil Kumar, Project Manager, JKERA, Mushtaq Ahmad, S.E, R&B (PWD) Central and other senior officers of J&KERA, R&B (PWD) and Health Department.

Secretary, Planning Development and Monitoring Department, Mr.Muhammad Aijaz (IAS) who recently assumed the charge of Chief Executive Officer, J&KERA today chaired a meeting to review progress of the World Bank funded 250 million USD Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project at ERA complex Rambagh here today.

Secretary PD&MD was informed about the objectives of the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project which was primarily formulated to strengthen the resilience to natural disasters at the aftermath of devastating floods of 2014 in Jammu and Kashmir. He was further informed that the JTFR project is of multisectoral in nature and comprises of the 6 main components which include: Reconstruction of Roads and Bridges, Construction of critical infrastructure, Restoration & Strengthening of Livelihoods, Strengthening of urban flood management, Strengthening of Disaster Management capacity, Contingency Emergency Response (CERC).

Chief Executive Officer, J&KERA was informed that major achievements under the project include construction of 16 bridges, upgradation of 18 roads, construction of 5 higher education buildings, construction of 46 BALa ( Building as a Learning Aid) designed schools, construction of 4 mega storm water drainage schemes, providing of various high - tech relief and rescue equipments to SDRF & Fire and Emergency Department worth Rs 40 Cr, Providing of search and rescue kits to 4000 panchayats in UTs of J&K and Ladakh, construction of state of art composite market centre for Silk at Rajbagh and composite market centre for wool at Bemina alongwith the development of artisan clusters of Papier machie at Zadibal, Crewel cluster at Noorbagh, Wool cluster at Noorbagh and Willow cluster at Ganderbal wherein artisans have been provided with the training in skill enhancement, provided with market linkages for their products.

It was also informed that the component of CERC (Contingency Emergency Response) which was activated by the UT administration in 2020 to meet the emergency health situation created due to the COVID-19. As part of the implementation of 50 million USD, CERC, 30 OGP (Oxygen Generation Plants) have been constructed in the various remote hospitals situated across the UT. Furthermore various high-tech critical care medical equipments were procured and distributed to 36 district hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir alongwith the providing of 68 ALS (All Life Support) critical care ambulances to various hospitals across the J&K.

It was further informed that as on date 188 sub-projects out of the total of 213 sub-projects taken up for execution under the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi flood Recovery Project have already been completed while as work on remaining 25 sub-projects is under execution.

While reviewing the progress of under execution 25 sub-projects being executed under World Bank funded JTFRP Chief Executive Officer was informed that progress of work on upgradation of 47 dewatering stations in Srinagar city is at advanced stage with work already completed on 42 stations while as work on remaining 3 stations is underway and sub-project expected to be completed by August, 2024. Secretary PD&MD directed S.E Drainage, SMC that no further delays in the completion of the sub-project will be tolerated.

Er. Sajad Naqeeb, Chief Engineer, Central, R&B (PWD) while giving details of the progress achieved on the construction of additional 160 bedded hospital building at Bone and Joints hospital at Barzulla, Srinagar informed that work on the sub-project is in the advanced stage and work on the installation of lifts, construction of connecting corridor between the old and new hospital buildings, other ancillary work on the main building are in full swing.

Secretary, PD&MD/ CEO ERA directed Chief Engineer, R&B to further expediate the pace of work on the construction of additional block at Bone & Joints Hospital, Barzulla and also fastback the tendering process for the construction of additional Gynaecology block at, Lal Ded Maternity, hospital.

Chief Engineer, South, R&B informed that work on the construction of Trenz and Rohmoo bridges has been further expedited. Secretary PD&MD directed that work on the bridges be completed at an earliest.

Executive Engineer, R&B, Baramulla informed that tenders for the construction of superstructure of 4 bridges in Baramulla, District namely Waza Mohalla, Shrakwara, Waghela and Wahdina have been floated with the last date for submission being 13th July,2024.

Sushil Kumar, Project Manager, J&KERA while giving details of progress on the construction of EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) at Ompura Budgam informed that work on construction of Dormitory of the complex and other ancillary works is in progress.

Secretary, PD&MD was also informed that 50 more ALS (All Life support) ambulances are being procured for the strengthening of health sector with the project savings.

Secretary, PD&MD directed that strict action as per contract agreement be taken against the non-performing contractors and impressed upon all the officers of J&KERA and Project implementation units to continue working in mission mode to ensure that all the sub-projects taken up for execution under JTFRP are completed within the stipulated timeframe and project objectives of JTFRP are achieved to the fullest.

Secretary, PD&MD also emphasised that all the savings under the project be effectively utilized in line with the project objectives.

Meeting was also attended by Dr. Sajad Wani, Chief Accounts Officer, Er.Sushil Kumar, Project Manager, JKERA, Er. Sajad Kawoosa, S.E Drainage, SMC, Rajinder, Gupta, S.E R&B, South, Er. Narinder Kumar S.E R&B, North , Executive Engineer, R&B Baramulla/Sopore, Er, Pooja Wazir, Deputy Project Manager, Transport, Jammu ,Kashmir Er. Syed Farhat, Deputy Project Manager,J&KERA Transport,Er.Baiza Rafeeq Deputy Project Manager,J&KERA Transport and other senior officers of J&KERA, SMC, R&B, I&C.

Secretary, Planning Development and Monitoring Department, Mr. Muhammad Aijaz (IAS) today assumed charge as Chief Executive Officer, J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency, a special purpose vehicle of Government of Jammu and Kashmir for executing of all externally aided projects in Union Territory

Mr. Muhammad Aijaz(IAS) an alumnus of IIT, Delhi, and Officer of Indian Service Cadre 2012 batch has served in several key positions in the U.T administration which include Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar,Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Managing Director, KPDCL( Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited) etc

Soon after assuming the charge as Chief Executive Officer, J&KERA Mr. Muhammad Aijaz(IAS) had an introductory meeting with the senior officers of J&KERA during which he was briefed about the functioning of the organization.

Senior officers of J&KERA briefed him about the broader contours of the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project being presently executed by J&KERA throughout the U.T

Secretary, PD&MD was informed that as on date 188 sub-projects out of the total of 213 sub-projects taken up for execution under the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi flood Recovery Project have already been completed whileas execution on remaining sub-projects is underway presently

Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar (IAS) Chief Executive Officer, Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency has instructed the various PIUs (project implementation units) executing the various components of the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project to strictly adhere to the project timelines for completion of the remaining sub-projects

Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar (IAS) today chaired a meeting to review the progress of various components of the World Bank funded JTFRP being executed by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Public Works Department, Industries and Commerce Department, JKMSCL (Jammu and Kashmir Medical supplies corporation limited) and J&KERA as PIUs (project implementation units) at Civil Secretariat, Srinagar here today

Superintending Engineer, SMC City Drainage while giving details of the progress of work on the upgradation of 47 Dewatering stations being executed by Srinagar Municipal Corporation as project implementation unit, informed that till work on 40 dewatering stations has been completed and have been made fully functional while as work on remaining stations is underway . He further informed that work on two stations at Peerbagh and zero bridge has been impacted due to the litigations which are being proactively followed up by the SMC.

CEO, ERA asked the Director, Technical, JTFRP to conduct the joint site inspection of the said sites along with the officers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation immediately after the meeting and submit a report regarding the matter.

She further instructed the representatives of SMC to submit the operation and maintenance plan for all the stations upgraded under the project by end of this month and ensure completion of sub-project by end of June,2024.

Representatives of the R&B (PWD) informed that all the sub-projects which were previously being executed by JKPCC have been taken over by R&B (PWD) and further estimates and BOQs for balance work of four bridges at Waza Mohalla, Shrakawara, Wahdina and Wagila have been completed and works will be tendered out as soon as technical sanction is given by the competent authority in R&B (PWD)

CEOERA directed R&B (PWD) to submit O&M plan for bridges, cleanup restoration of all bridges and buildings constructed by it under the project and also ensure site clearance and site safety measures at all sites and strict adherence to safety and environmental measures as stipulated under World Bank norms. CEOERA also directed that all the social and safeguard issues related to various sub-projects be expeditiously taken up with the concerned revenue authorities in R&B for their earliest resolution

Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Industries which is implementing the component of strengthening of livelihoods under JTFRP informed that sustainability for the (4) artisan clusters- Zadibal papier machie cluster, Noorbagh chainstitch cluster, Bandipore Pashmina cluster and Ganderbal willow cluster is under preparation and will be further modified by the consultant and submitted to JKERA by end of this month.

Representative of JKMSCL informed that most of the procurements made by JKMSCL have been updated on the STEP.JKMSCL was asked to update all the activities by today itself.

Meeting was also attended by Dr. Sajad Wani, Chief Accounts Officer, J&KERA/JTFRP, Mrs. Mehjabeen, Additional Secretary, legal, JKERA, Er.Ashok Khokar, Project Manager, Transport, J&KERA, Jammu, Er, Pooja Wazir, Deputy Project Manager, Transport, Jammu Er.Sushil Kumar, Project Manager, Transport, JKERA,Kashmir and senior officers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, PWD (R&B) , JKMSCL, Jammu and Kashmir Industries limited and J&KERA and JTFRP

Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar (IAS) Chief Executive Officer, Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency today asked the officers to monitor the progress of Jhelum and Tawi river basin morphological studies being undertaken as part of the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project on daily basis to ensure the earliest completion of the critical studies.

Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar (IAS) said this while chairing a meeting to review the progress of the ongoing World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project at Civil Secretariat, Srinagar here today

She further gave instructions for closely monitoring the progress of work on all the remaining under execution sub-projects under JTFRP particularly the flagship sub-projects of construction of EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) at Ompura, Budgam, Construction of Additional Hospital block at Bone and Joints Hospital, Barzulla and Construction of Extension block at Lal Ded Hospital, Srinagar.

Gurcharan Singh, Director, Technical, JTFRP while giving details of preparation of feasibility & detailed project report for flood mitigation & comprehensive river management measures for Jhelum river basin informed that concerned stakeholders had asked for some clarifications which have been incorporated in the model and final observations from Central Water Commission are awaited.

With regard to the preparation of feasibility & detailed project report for flood mitigation & comprehensive river management of Tawi basin he said that some clarifications have been raised by the concerned stakeholders which have been incorporated and further a joint site visit was conducted with the I&FC Jammu for on spot inspection.

CEO, ERA, asked Director Technical, JTFRP to closely follow-up both the studies with the I&FC Department so that both the studies are finalised and completed at earliest.

Dr.Syed Sehrish Asgar was informed that progress of work on upgradation of 47 dewatering stations in Srinagar city is in progress with work already completed on 40 stations while as work on remaining stations is underway.

CEO asked the Director, Technical, JTFRP to follow-up on all impediments that may be hindering progress of work on the sub-project and concerned PIU be asked to give firm date for the completion of the sub-project.

Nodal officer for construction of additional hospital building at Bone and Joints hospital, Barzulla informed that work on the sub-project is at the advanced stage. He said that estimates for the construction of corridor from existing hospital to new block and other additional works has been submitted to World Bank for approval.

Dr, Sehrish asked Director, Technical, and JTFRP to personally follow-up the matter with World Bank and other stakeholders to ensure the work on the sub-project is not affected and continues unhindered

It was also said that work on the construction of state of art EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) at Ompura Budgam is underway and designs for some mechanical components have been submitted to World bank for approval.

Nodal officer for the various sub-projects being executed by J&KERA as PIU (project implementation unit) in Kashmir Division informed that work on Hamray-Sultanpora road sub-project has been completed and project handed over to R&B. Work on the construction of Waghama-Bijbehara road subproject is underway with excavation and construction of diversion in progress. CEO, ERA directed the concerned nodal officer to ensure that work on the said sub-project is completed by June, 2024.

With regard to the progress of various bridge sub-projects being executed by J&KERA in Kashmir Division it was informed by the concerned nodal officer that work on the construction of Rohmoo bridge in Pulwama, is in full swing with one deck slab already laid and preparation for laying of 2nd deck slab presently underway alongwith the construction of approaches. Further work on the construction of approaches and pedestal for the bearings on Trenz bridge is in progress it was said.

It was also informed that (R&B) which is PIU (project implementation unit) for the sub-projects has conveyed that estimates for the construction of Waza Mohalla, Shrakawara, Wahdina and Wagila bridges are in the final stages and shall be tendered as soon as technical sanction from the Chief Engineer, (R&B) is obtained and has assured that works will be tendered out within 10 days.

Further it was also informed that final drawings for the construction of extension block at lal Ded Hospital are being reviewed by (R&B) and it has committed that the tenders for the sub-project will be issued in the March,2024.

CEO, ERA asked Director, Technical JTFRP to take up the matter of the constitution of the committee for the procurement of medical equipments for the new facility with the principal Govt. Medical College on priority.

Nodal Officers for the various road upgradation sub-projects being executed by J&KERA in Jammu Division informed that work on Devi Mai Ohli-Mandir road sub-project has been completed and road thrown open for traffic and handover takeover process of the sub-project is in process, while as road upgradation for Gulati-Shahdra Sharief road sub-project has been upgraded except for the laying of B.T which will be taken up during the forthcoming working season. It was also said that DPR and estimates for the Tutan Di Khuie road sub-project have been prepared and submitted to World bank and tenders for the work will be floated as soon as approval from the World Bank is wahdina obtained.

Meeting was also, Dr. Sajad Wani, Chief Accounts Officer, J&KERA/JTFRP, Mrs. Mehjabeen, Additional Secretary, legal, JKERA, Er.Ashok Khokar, Project Manager, Transport, J&KERA, Jammu, Er, Pooja Wazir, Deputy Project Manager, Transport, Jammu Er.Sushil Kumar, Project Manager, Transport, JKERA,Kashmir Er. Asgar Watali, Deputy Project Manager,J&KERA Transport, Er. Feroz Ahmad, Deputy Project Manager, J&KERA Transport, Er. Arshid Hussain, Deputy Project Manager, Er.Baiza Rafeeq Deputy Project Manager,J&KERA Transport and other senior officers of J&KERA and JTFRP

Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar (IAS) Chief Executive Officer, Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency today impressed upon all officers of J&KERA to ensure timely handover of all sub-projects completed under the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project to user departments.

She said this while chairing the periodic meeting to review the progress of the ongoing World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project at Civil Secretariat, Srinagar here today

While reviewing the progress of under execution sub-projects being executed under JTFRP Dr.Syed Sehrish Asgar was informed that progress of work on upgradation of 47 dewatering stations in Srinagar city is at advanced stage with work already completed on 40 stations while as work on remaining 7 stations will be completed by March,2024. CEO directed the concerned nodal officers to aggressively follow-up all impediments that are hindering progress of work on the sub-project. Additional Secretary, Legal JKERA was also asked to follow-up with the SMC the legal issues that may be affecting progress of work on the sub-project.

Nodal officer for the construction of additional block at GDC, Bemina informed that work on sub-project is nearing completion as only some ancillary works and installation of lifts in the building are pending and same will be completed by March,2024

Nodal officer for construction of 160 bedded hospital building at Bone and Joints hospital, Barzulla, being executed under World Bank funded JTFRP informed that work on the sub-project is at the advanced stage with substantial progress achieved on civil component of the sub-project.

Er. Gurcharan Singh, Director, Technical, JTFRP further informed that R&B (PWD) which is PIU (project implementation unit) for the sub-project has submitted estimates for the additional works to be taken up under the sub-project which include the construction of corridor from old hospital building to the new hospital block as well as for the construction of the boundary wall around the new building. He added that proposal is being reviewed and will be forwarded to the World Bank for approval at an earliest.

It was also said that work on the construction of state of art EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) at Ompura Budgam is in full swing with work underway on truss work, installation of campus street lighting system. He said that an amount of Rs 11.3 Cr has been spent on the sub-project till date.

Nodal Officer, for the construction of BaLa school buildings in Jammu division informed that work on all school buildings including the one at Ramnagar, Udhampur has been completed with the formalities of handover of the school building already initiated with the school authorities.

Nodal officer for the various sub-projects being executed by J&KERA as PIU (project implementation unit) in Kashmir Division informed that work on Hamray-Sultanpora, has been completed and project handed over to R&B. Work on the construction of Bonpora-Padshahi Bagh Storm water drainage project and Missing links zone II is complete except for the installation of customised sluice gate which has been ordered by the contractor and is expected to reach Srinagar by March and will take 2-3 days for installation it was said. Nodal officer further said that work on Waghama Bijbehra road sub-project will be completed in coming working season

Nodal Officers for the various road upgradation sub-projects being executed by J&KERA in Jammu Division informed that work on Devi Mai Ohli-Mandir road sub-project has been completed and road thrown open for traffic while as road upgradation for Gulati-Shahdra Sharief road sub-project has been upgraded except for the laying of B.T which will be taken up during the forthcoming working season. It was also said that contract for the Tutan Di Khuie road sub-project had to be terminated due to the poor performance of the contractor and tenders are being floated for the remaining portion of the work.

Dr. Sehrish was also informed that work on the two vital river morphological studies of Tawi and Jhelum basin being undertaken under the World Bank funded JTFRP is also underway with reports of various tasks being undertaken by the consultants assigned with the tasks being shared with the I&FC and other stakeholders and suggestions and observations raised by the stakeholders being incorporated in the studies.. CEO,ERA asked the concerned nodal officers to diligently follow-up all observations being raised by the project stakeholders.

Meeting was attended by Er, Gurcharan Singh, Director, Technical, JTFRP, Dr. Sajad Wani, Chief Accounts Officer, J&KERA/JTFRP, Er.Ashok Khokar, Project Manager, Transport, J&KERA, Jammu, Er, Pooja Wazir, Deputy Project Manager, Transport, Jammu Er.Sushil Kumar, Project Manager, Transport, JKERA,Kashmir Er. Asgar Watali, Deputy Project Manager,J&KERA Transport, Er. Feroz Ahmad, Deputy Project Manager, J&KERA Transport, Er. Arshid Hussain, Deputy Project Manager, Er.Baiza Rafeeq Deputy Project Manager,J&KERA Transport and other senior officers of J&KERA and JTFRP

Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar (IAS) Chief Executive Officer, Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency exhorted upon all officers of J&KERA to rigorously follow and remove the impediments that maybe affecting the progress of works. She said this while chairing a meeting to review the progress of the ongoing World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project at Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.

Dr. Sehrish was informed that as on date 174 sub-projects out of the total of 213 sub-projects taken up for execution under the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi flood Recovery Project have already been completed while as work on remaining 39 sub-projects is under execution. It was further informed that till date an expenditure of Rs 1352 Cr. has been incurred on the project.

While reviewing the progress of under execution 39 sub-projects being executed JTFRP Chief Executive Officer was informed that progress of work on upgradation of 47 dewatering stations in Srinagar city is at advanced stage with work already completed on 40 stations while as work on remaining 7 stations will be completed by March,2024. CEO directed the concerned nodal officers to submit progress report after every 20 days. She said no further delays in the completion of the significant urban flood management project will be accepted.

Nodal officer for R&B projects, while divulging the details of sub-projects being executed under the component of critical infrastructure said that work on the construction of additional 160 bedded hospital block at Bone and Joints hospital at Barzulla, Srinagar is at the advanced stage with around 90% work completed on civil component of the sub-project. He further said that an amount of Rs 59.36 Cr has been spent on the critical healthcare project. He added that Chief Engineer, R&B has been asked to submit the estimates for the construction of corridor from old hospital building to the new hospital block aswell as for the construction of the boundary wall around the new building.

He also said that work on construction of additional block at GDC, Bemina is nearing completion as only installation of lifts in the building is pending and same will be completed by March,2024. It was also said that work on the construction of EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) at Ompura Budgam is also on full throttle with work on the installation of HVAC and fire fighting system underway.

Nodal Officer, for the construction of BaLa school buildings in Jammu division informed that work on all school buildings except the one at Ramnagar, Udhampur has been completed. CEO directed that work on the remaining school building be completed at an earliest

CEO, ERA asked the concerned nodal officers to ensure that all impediments affecting progress of work on the sub-projects be timely resolved.

While giving details of the projects being executed by J&KERA as PIU (project implementation unit) CEO,ERA was informed that work on Hamray-Sultanpora, has been completed and project is being handed over to R&B within one week. Work on the construction of Bonpora-Padshahi Bagh Storm water drainage project is also complete except for the installation of customised sluice gate which has been ordered by the contractor and will be installed within months time it was said. It was also said that work on other road projects namely, Devi Mai Ohli-Mandir , Gulati-Shahdra Sharief, Waghama Bijbehra is in full swing and will be completed in next working season.

CEO, ERA was also briefed about the progress achieved by J&KERA on the two vital river morphological studies of Tawi Basin and Jhelum basin being undertaken under the World Bank funded JTFRP. CEO,ERA asked the concerned officers that the studies be fine tuned to the best satisfaction of the concerned line departments.

CEO ERA asked the officers to strictly supervise and monitor the progress of works being executed on ground and bring to notice the issues that may require intervention at highest level.

Dr. Sehrish impressed upon all the officers of J&KERA to continue working in mission mode while complying with all quality parameters / timelines to ensure that all the sub-projects taken up for execution under JTFRP are completed within the stipulated timeframe and project objectives of JTFRP are achieved to the fullest.

Meeting was attended by Er, Gurcharan Singh, Director, Technical, JTFRP, Dr. Sajad Wani, Chief Accounts Officer, J&KERA/JTFRP, Er.Ashok Khokar, Project Manager, Transport, J&KERA, Jammu, Er, Pooja Wazir, Deputy Project Manager, Transport, Jammu Er.Sushil Kumar, Project Manager, Transport, JKERA,Kashmir Er. Asgar Watali, Deputy Project Manager,J&KERA Transport, Er. Feroz Ahmad, Deputy Project Manager, J&KERA Transport, Er. Arshid Hussain, Deputy Project Manager, Er.Baiza Rafeeq Deputy Project Manager,J&KERA Transport and other senior officers of J&KERA and JTFRP

Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar (IAS) today assumed charge as Administrative Secretary, Public Grievances and Chief Executive Officer, J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency, a special purpose vehicle of Government of Jammu and Kashmir for executing of all externally aided projects in Union Territory.

Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar took over the charge of Chief Executive Officer, from Dr, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (IAS) who has been the longest serving Chief Executive Officer of J&KERA till date .

Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah took over as Chief Executive Officer, J&KERA in March, 2020 when implementation of World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project was at its lowest ebb and during his stint as CEO ERA the implementation of JTFRP received a major impetus despite various operational difficulties like COVID-19 Lockdown, global travel restrictions, mass migration of labour, poor response to tenders, limited capacity of local contractors and limited working season for construction activities; 90 % procurement of works/goods and 80% of disbursements under the project was undertaken during the said period.

Dr. Sehrish Asgar an Officer of Indian Service Cadre 2013 batch has served in several key positions in the U.T administration which include Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Director Information and Public Relations, Director, Rural Livelihood Mission and Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla.

Soon after assuming the charge as Secretary Public Grievance & Chief Executive Officer, J&KERA Dr. Sehrish chaired a meeting with the senior officers of Department of Public Grievances aswell as of J&KERA during which she was briefed about the functioning of both the organizations in detail.

Senior officers of J&KERA briefed her about the broader contours of the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project being presently executed by J&KERA throughout the U.T
She was informed that as on date 183 sub-projects out of the total of 213 sub-projects taken up for execution under the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi flood Recovery Project have already been completed thereby 86% sub-projects have been completed by J&KERA under the project.

Dr. Sehrish impressed upon all the officers of J&KERA to continue working in mission mode while complying with all quality parameters / timelines to ensure that all the sub-projects taken up for execution under JTFRP are completed within the stipulated timeframe and project objectives of JTFRP are achieved to the fullest.

While chairing the meeting of Department of Public Grievances, Dr Sehrish was informed that the Department looks after the Grievance Redressal work of the UT as well as the JKIGRAMS (Jammu & Kashmir Integrated Grievance redress and monitoring system). The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of UT supervises the JKIGRAMS portal personally and conducts LG’s Mulaqaat Programme – (monthly interaction of Hon’ble LG with the complainants who have lodged their grievances on the portal) .The disposal percentage of the grievances of JKIGRAMS portal is 97 % . In addition to it the Department has setup two (02) toll free call centres for the registration of the grievances (Kashmir 18005722328 Jammu 18005722327)

Dr. Sehrish was given a warm welcome by the senior officers of Department of Public Grievances Ms Narender Kour, Additional secretary, Ms Azeeta Qureshi under secretary and Er. Gurcharan Singh, Director, Technical, JTFRP, Dr. Sajad Ahmad Wani, Chief Accounts Officer, JTFRP and other senior officers of DOPG, JTFRP and JKERA