Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency has made an expenditure of Rs 93 crores on various water supply projects taken up by agency under Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded Multisector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation in Srinagar city.

The Agency has already completed work on major water supply schemes taken up by agency under urban component of MPIR in the Srinagar city and about 8 lac people of Srinagar city are being benefitted by these 3 major water supply projects which include Laying of 51 Km Rangil Water transmission Main, 13 km Nishat Dalbund Transmission main and 24 Km Nishat Taley Manzil and Doodhganga Transmission main. J&K ERA has til date laid 85.25 Kms of water supply pipe line network in Srinagar city

Further J&K ERA has also taken up work on revamping of five water treatment plants in Srinagar city (Rangil, Nishat, Aliesteng,Doodhganga and Pokhribal) . So far 95% of work has been completed on revamping of these WTP’s in Srinagar city which is estimated to cost Rs 18.29 crores.. This was stated to Shri Saurabh Bhagat,Chief Executive Officer, J&K ERA who today took a review of water supply projects being undertaken by J&K ERA in Srinagar city Project Manager Urban, Kashmir informed him that major portion of civil works on these treatment plants which includes construction of back wash tanks, clarifloculator(s),overhead tanks,backwash tanks and chlorination system have been completed.. The revamping of these WTP’s also includes replacement of worn out mechanical & electrical equipments to enhance the water treatment capacity of these plants.

He further said that in order to make water treatment environmental friendly J&K ERA has also taken up construction of zero discharge tanks at these plants for treatment/recycling of water used for washing of water treatment units which are estimated to cost Rs 6.1 crore.

Shri Saurabh Bhagat, Chief Executive Officer, J&K ERA today during a comprehensive inspection of all the three storm water drainage works being executed by J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency along National highway bypass from Bemina Fruit mandi to Pohru chowk impressed upon engineers and consultants to ensure completion of the mega drainage project during the current working season.

G.H Ganie,Project Manager, Urban, Kashmir,J&K ERA informed Bhagat that so far Rs 92 crores have been spent on mega drainage project and overall progress of 80% has been achieved on the project which involves construction of 54 Kms of drainage network from Pohru-Chowk to Bemina Chowk divided into three schemes namely-,17.6 Km Pohru – Chanapora, 24 Km Rawalpora-Tengpora and 12.8 Km Bemina chowk to Fruit mandi. Ganai said that work on several crucial road cuts has also been completed.

Bhagat inspected work on construction of MPS (Main pumping station) and IPS (Intermediate pumping station) at Gulshan Nagar, Chanapora, Tengpora and at Bemina. He directed engineers and consultants to further speed up work on both civil and electromechanical components to ensure early completion of the project.

CEO ERA also inspected ongoing macadamisation of roads being carried out presently by J&K ERA in several colonies of Hyderpora and instructed engineers to complete macadamisation work within two months

During his visit to the drainage sites CEO ERA also interacted with some locals who appreciated CEO ERA for continuously monitoring the progress of work on drainage schemes and acknowledged that the construction of storm water drainage network in their areas has provided relief from water logging during winters and rainy season. They said that macadamisation of interior roads in Gulberg, Shah Anwar and other adjoining colonies has also given a new facelift to these residential areas.

Chief Executive Officer, J&K ERA Shri Saurabh Bhagat today inspected work on revamping of water treatment plants being executed by J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency under the Asian Development Bank funded Multisector project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation in Srinagar city.

G.H Ganie,Project Manager, Urban, Kashmir, J&K ERA informed CEO ERA that so far 95% of work has been completed on revamping of 5 major water treatment plants in Srinagar city which is estimated to cost Rs 18.29 crores. Giving details he said that so far agency has completed 90000 gallon capacity back wash tank, 2.20 MGD clarifloculator,35000 gallon overhead backwash tank at Nishat Plant,1,5 MGD clarifloculator,20,000 gallon capacity overhead tank at Doodhganga plant.civil works for gaseous chlorination system at Pokhribal Plant.50,000 gallon capacity overhead backwash tank and civil works for gaseous chlorination system at Aliisteng plant. The revamping of these WTP’s also includes replacement of worn out mechanical & electrical equipments to enhance the water treatment capacity of these plants.

In order to make water treatment environmental friendly J&K ERA has also taken up construction of zero discharge tanks at these plants for treatment/recycling of water used for washing of water treatment units which are estimated to cost Rs 6.1 crores. Project Manager ERA informed CEO ERA during his site visit to Rangil WTP that zero discharge system being constructed at the plant will recycle/treat 3400000 liters of backwash water /day that would be sufficient to provide potable water to about additional 21935 people/day besides preventing pollution and silting up of water bodies and arable land.

Shri B.B Vyas, Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Chief Minister who is also Principal Secretary Planning and Development Department today chaired a meeting to review progress of various infrastructure projects being executed by J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency (J&K ERA) throughout the state under MPIR(Multisector project for infrastructure rehabilitation in Jammu and Kashmir) and JKUSDIP(Jammu and Kashmir Urban Sector Development investment programme) funded by Asian Development Bank.

Shri Saurabh Bhagat, Chief Executive Officer J&K ERA while giving power point presentation informed that under Multisector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation the agency has so far made an expenditure of Rs 1377 crores on various infrastructure projects being executed by JK ERA throughout the state . He said that work on 69 sub-projects under MPIR has been completed. These include improvement and up gradation of some major roads, bridges, water supply and drainage schemes. Besides equipments worth Rs 34.29 crores which include water tankers, garbage carriers, loaders, sewer cleaning equipments etc have been provided to SMC,JMC and PHED under the project.

Saurabh Bhagat further informed that under tranche-1 of JKUSDIP the agency has taken up work on some sewerage and 1 sub-project for scientific disposal of solid waste management in Srinagar city and 1 sub-project of water supply . Out of these work on approach road to landfill site at Achan sanitary landfill site has been completed and substantial progress has been achieved on Laying of 1000 mm Raw water pipeline from Harwan to Nishat. Further 1 cell at SLF Achan has been completed and considerable progress achieved on ancillary components of sub-project.

Regarding the preparedness of tranche-II sub-projects under JKUSDIP, CEO ERA informed that all necessary due-diligence reports regarding the Jehangir chowk - Rambagh. Flyover in Srinagar city, Vikram chowk-womens college Flyover in Jammu city and other sub-projects have been completed. He said that 99 shopkeepers of cheap/kabbadi market near Jehangir chowk have already been rehabilitated in shopping complex constructed by SMC for the purpose, while as work on rehabilitation complex near Jehangir chowk being executed by JKPCC is on progress and till date JKPCC has completed work on basement and one floor of the complex. Principal Secretary to HCM expressed satisfaction with overall progress of sub-projects being executed by J&K ERA.

Meeting was attended by Managing Director, JKPCC, Director Safeguards, J&K ERA, Director Central, J&K ERA, Director Urban/Central, J&K ERA, Director Finance, J&K ERA and Project Managers of J&K ERA.

Chief Executive Officer,J&K ERA Shri, Saurabh Bhagat today reviewed the progress of different infrastructure projects being executed by Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency (J&K ERA) through out the state under Multisector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation (MPIR) and Jammu Kashmir Urban Sector Investment Development programme(JKUSDIP) funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB).

During the review meeting Chief Executive Officer, J&K ERA was briefed about the progress of projects undertaken by J&K ERA under Transport and Urban sectors of ongoing Multisector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation (MPIR) in the state,

Shri O.P Dubey,Director Urban / Transport informed CEO ERA that work on 69 sub-projects taken up for execution under MPIR (Multisector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation) has been completed while as 74% - 99% progress has been achieved on 24 sub-projects. The sub-projects completed include 20 road sub-projects, 13 bridge sub-projects, 20 water supply sub-projects and 4 drainage sub-projects and remaining sub-projects for supply of equipments to SMC, JMC and PHED.CEO ERA directed concerned Project Managers and Consultants of J&K ERA to ensure that all physical and financial targets set for the current year are achieved

Shri Khalid Muzaffar Director Central J&K ERA informed CEO ERA that under tranche-I of ongoing JKUSDIP work on 7 sub-projects which include projects for solid waste management, water supply and construction of sewerage systems has been taken up and work on one sub-project has already been completed and considerable progress has been achieved on remaining sub-projects. As regards proposed Expressway cooridor from Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh it was informed that work on rehabilitation complex near Jehangir chowk for shopkeepers who will be displaced due to construction of said Flyover is being executed by JKPCC at Jahangir Chowk is under progress and so far two slabs have been laid on the complex. CEO ERA asked M.D JKPCC present in the meeting to expedite the pace of work on rehabilitation complex so that rehabilitation of affected shopkeepers is started at earliest.

Meeting was also attended by Chief Engineer, R&B Department Kashmir, Director Planning and Development Department, Director Safeguards, J&K ERA,Director Finance J&K ERA, Collector J&K ERA, Project Managers of J&K ERA and Team Leaders of DSC(s) and PMC

Shri Saurabh Bhagat, Chief Executive Officer, J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency (J&K ERA) today inspected progress of work on Natipora-Chadoora Chariersharief road which has been taken up for upgradation by J&K ERA under the transport sector of its ongoing MPIRJK (Multisector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation in Jammu and Kashmir)funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The work on up gradation of 24 km Natipora-Chaddora- Chariersharief road which is estimated to cost Rs 21.91 crores is presently under execution. Shri O.P Dubey ,Director Transport J&K ERA informed Chief Executive Officer, J&K ERA that till date around 75 % progress has been achieved on the project and appreciable progress has been achieved on components of project like construction of breast walls, retaining walls, construction of pipe/box culverts and road drainage and laying of WBM/ WMM has been completed for 22 kms of road and for remaining portion will be laid as soon the required temperature is attained .

The integrated road project also includes construction of Wathoora and Kakawring bridges while Wathoora bridge has already been completed and was inaugurated by Jenab Abdul Rahim Rather Honourable Minister for Finance on March 18th ,2012.

Work on another bridge at Kakaw-ring is in progress and till date more than 55% of work on bridge has been completed. Chief Executive officer J&K ERA directed engineers and consultants working on the project to ensure that work on the project is completed during the current working season. He also directed them to scrupulously follow requisite quality parameters for the project.

Later he also inspected progress of work on Padshahi bagh bridge which is being constructed with the cost of Rs 2.42 crores.He directed concerned engineers to further speed up progress of work on project to ensure its early completion.
Project Manager, Transport, J&K ERA, Kashmir and other engineers and consultants accompanied CEO ERA during his visit to the project.

Asian Development Bank team comprising of Mr Atsushi kaneko Senior Urban Development specialist ( ADB), Mr Ron Slangen Urban Development specialist(ADB) concluded its two day visit to valley to review the preparedness of tranche-II projects of JKUSDIP (Jammu and Kashmir Urban Sector Development Investment Programme) being executed by Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency (JKERA) in the state.

In the meeting chaired by Shri Saurabh Bhagat, Chief Executive Officer, J&K ERA the team was briefed about the project preparedness of the major projects which are proposed to be taken up by J&K ERA under the tranche-II of the Asian Development Bank funded JKUSDIP.These include construction of Jehangir chowk-Natipora expressway corridor in Srinagar and construction of vikram chowk expressway corridor in Jammu. Besides construction of multilevel parking facility in Srinagar and some water supply and drainage projects in Jammu and Srinagar.

It was said that preparation of all preliminary project planning documents regarding these projects which are estimated to cost around Rs 800 crore (approx.) in total has been completed by J&K ERA and submitted to ADB. As part of rehabilitation measure the displaced shopkeepers of kabbadi/ cheap market have been paid compensation of Rs 12 lakhs in lieu of income loss and shifting grant. Besides that displaced shopkeepers of cheap/Kabbadi markets have also been rehabilitated in the shopping complex constructed by SMC in the nearby vicinity were these shopkeepers are presently undertaking their business in a normal manner.

Further JKPCC which has been allotted construction of rehabilitation complexes near Jehangir Chowk and Rambagh has been asked to ensure the completion of these as per stipulated timeframe for timely attainment of rehabilitation milestones.
The visiting ADB team expressed overall satisfaction with the progress achieved by J&K ERA on resettlement and other aspects of the project.
The meeting was also attended by Shri Khalid Muzaffar, Director Central, J&K ERA, Shri O.P Dubey Director Urban, J&K ERA, Mrs Shagufta Qazi, Director Finance, J&K ERA and other senior officers of J&K ERA and project support unit of Asian Development Bank.

During his visit to rehabilitation site near Jehangir Chowk CEO ERA took on spot review of progress of work on 4 storied rehabilitation complex with parking facility in the basement which has been allotted to JKPCC and is likely to cost of Rs 50 crores. CEO ERA directed that JKPCC be asked to expedite pace of work on complex to ensure that work is completed within stipulated time period.

Concerned Project Manager of J&K ERA informed CEO ERA that process of distribution of cheques in lieu of one month income loss among displaced khokhawallas of kabbadi market has been completed. CEO ERA expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on construction of prefabricated shopping line for displaced khokhawallas . He also had an interaction with the khokhawallas of Kabbadi market and assured them that all steps will be taken for early resumption of their routine business activity. CEO ERA asked Project Manager (JKUSDIP) J&K ERA that displaced khokhawallas be given income loss for another month also.

Chief Executive Officer, J&K ERA Shri Saurabh Bhagat today chaired a meeting to review the progress on preparatory stage of projects to be taken up by J&K ERA under tranche-II of Asian Development Bank Loan-2.Progress achieved on preparatory stages like preparation of ,SAR’s (Summary Appraisal Reports), DPR’s (Detailed Project Reports), RP’s(Resettlement Plans), IEE(Initial Environment Examination) etc of each proposed sub-project was reviewed

During review meeting progress achieved on preparation of Bikram Chowk-Women’s college expressway corridor project which is proposed to be taken up by Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency (J&K ERA) under tranche-II of its Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded Jammu and Kashmir Urban Sector Development Investment program me (JKUSDIP) was discussed threadbare.

Director Central J&K ERA, Shri Khalid Muzaffar informed that so far the technical details regarding the said express way corridor project which include preparation of Summary Appraisal Report (SAR), Detailed Project Report (DPR) including the technical design for the project has been completed. He said technical design for the project has also been vetted by I.I.T Rorkree and RITES.As regards social and environmental feasibility reports Director Central said that Resettlement Plan(RP) and Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for project have also been prepared and submitted to Asian Development Bank for approval. It was said that two structures are getting affected due to the construction of expressway corridor and plan for rehabilitation of these two commercial structures has already been chalked out and it is proposed that these two commercial establishments will be rehabilitated in SRTC complex. He said decision regarding the same was made in the recently held meeting of Divisional Level Committee. He said that SRTC will hand over the requisite land required for rehabilitation of these two commercial establishments to revenue department for leasing out the land to concerned affected parties.

The proposed 8 Lane Vikram chowk- women college expressway cooridor is estimated to cost Rs 95.5 crores and would play a vital role in reducing the traffic congestion in Jammu city particularly near Vikram chowk junction,police lines and GandhiNagar chowk.

Chief Executive Officer, J&K ERA impressed upon all the concerned engineers, consultants and other staff working on the preparation of tranche-II projects to work in mission mode so that all necessary clearances/approvals are obtained from ADB and other agencies at earliest and work on ground started soon. Meeting was also attended by Director,Safeguards, J&K ERA, Project Manager (JKUSDIP) J&K ERA,Team Leader of Project support unit (ADB), Team Leader, Design and Supervision Consultants (Loan-II) and other officers and specialist staff of J&K ERA.

Chief Executive Officer, J&K ERA Shri Saurabh Bhagat today visited corridor of proposed Jehangir Chowk-Rambagh express-way corridor to review the progress achieved on rehabilitation/resettlement aspects of the project. During his visit CEO ERA inspected progress of work on one of the rehabilitation complex being constructed near Jehangir chowk for shop keepers getting affected due to the construction of said flyover. Shri Khalid Muzaffar, Director Central J&K ERA informed CEO ERA that work on the 4 storied rehabilitation complex with parking facility in the basement has been allotted to JKPCC and is likely to cost of Rs 50 crores. He directed officers of JKPCC present on the site to gear up speed of work on the rehabilitation complex and deploy more men and machinery on site so that work on complex is completed within the stipulated time period.

Chief Executive Officer, JKERA also inspected progress of work on construction of prefabricated shopping line being constructed for displaced khokhawallas of kabaddi/cheap market near Jehangir chowk . He also had an interaction with the khokhawallas of cheap market and assured them that all steps will be taken for early resumption of their routine business activity. CEO also inspected progress of work on Sanitary Landfill site at Achan which is being developed by J&KERA under tranche-I of ADB (Asian Development Bank) loan 2 with the cost of Rs 17 crores. He was informed that as on date more than 97% physical progress has been achieved on the project. He also visited proposed site for construction of multilevel parking facility at KMDA were he was briefed about technical design and other parameters of the facility.

CEO ERA also in presence of Director Central,J&K ERA and Director Urban, J&K ERA distributed cheques in lieu of displacement grant and one month income loss among some displaced khokhawallas of kabbadi/cheap market who had voluntarily removed their khokas near Jehangir chowk and had been assured that they will be provided with better alternate shops in the nearby vicinity. It was also decided that disbursements of Cheques to remaining khokawallas will be made in coming days by Project Manager (JKUSDIP) JK ERA Kashmir and Social/Resettlement expert . J&K ERA, Kashmir.