Further expanding the scope of the developmental activities and with a purpose to restore the economic activity in the remote parts of the Jammu Division JTFRP has started work on one more significant road upgradation project in Jammu.

Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed, Chief Executive Officer JKERA/JTFRP today conducted an extensive tour of Reasi District for the identification of the locations were work can be started on the road up gradation of Anji-Panasa- Devi Mai- Ohli Mandir road in the Reasi District.

Dr. Syed Abid during the site inspection of Devi Mai- Ohli Mandir road stretch which forms the part of pilgrimage –tourism circuit gave on spot instructions for the construction of public conveniences at various picturesque view points were pilgrims /tourists take stop over for enjoying the scenic natural beauty and visiting various temples enroute namely, Deva Mai Mandir, Ohli Mandir , Kol- Kandoli Mandir and the road was traditionally being used by the pilgrims for visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji Shrine. The upgradtion of the road will provide the pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine from Akhnoor and Poonch Districts with a shorter alternative route and thus give a major boost for the creation of additional livelihood opportunities for local people in tourism and travel sector.

Anji-Panasa road stretch of the road passes through the villages Seela, Panasa, Dassanu, Pabbar, etc were residents are primarily associated with the agriculture and allied economic activities like cultivation of Rice, Maize and vegetables and the upgradation of the road will provide them with an improved access to markets for faster marketing of their perishable agricultural produce in the nearby markets.

CEO,JKERA/JTFRP was informed by Tarsem Lal, Project Manager, Transport, JKERA,Jammu that the work on the integrated road package in Reasi District is estimated to cost Rs 16.04 crores and the upgradation of the road would involve further strengthening of the road surface by laying of flexible pavement which will comprise the 04 layers of 50 mm Bituminous Concrete, 50 mm Dense Bituminous Macadam, 150 mm Wet Mix Macadam and Granular sub-base (G-II) 150 mm. He said other components of the road upgradation include construction of (41) no. pipe culverts , (05) no Box culverts 2015 metres of retaining wall, 2789 meters of breast wall, 7169 meters of lined drain, 800 meters of crash barriers.

Dr.Abid directed the engineers and contractors to ensure that the work be completed within the stipulated timeline of 15 months to prevent cost overruns on the project and also directed that all the environmental and resettlement issues be taken due care of while executing work on the project and reiterated his instructions for adhering to SOPs like social distancing and health and hygiene measures for prevention against the COVID-19 Pandemic.

JTFRP funded by the World Bank is spending Rs 166 crores on the construction of various road and bridges in Jammu region.

With the start of work on the upgradation of 18.30 km long Sidhra-Suransar road project, Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project funded by the World Bank has started work on various infrastructure projects in the Jammu Division.

The work on the project was today started formally in presence of Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Chief Executive Officer JKERA/JTFRP who last week during a meeting had directed the engineers and contractors to start work on the road and bridge projects in Jammu Division after guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt.of India and J&K Union Territory administration for resumption of developmental activities while following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as stipulated in guidelines.

Tarsem Lal, Project Manager, Transport JKERA/JTFRP informed the CEO, JKERA/JTFRP that work on the sub-project is estimated to cost Rs 16.70 crores and will be further strengthened by laying of flexible pavement which will comprise the 04 layers of 30 mm Bituminous Concrete, 70 mm Dense Bituminous Macadam, 150 mm Wet Mix Macadam and Granular sub-base (G-II) 200mm. He said other components of the road upgradation include construction of (06) no. pipe culverts , 1084 metres of breast wall, 652 metres of lined drain, 2800 metres of crash barriers and 833 metres of parapet.

Dr.Abid directed the engineers and contractors to ensure that the work be completed within the stipulated timeline of 12 months to prevent cost overruns on the project and also directed that all SOPs like social distancing and health and hygiene measures be strictly implemented during execution of the work for prevention against the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The upgradation of Sidhra –Suransar road project will benefit 5 lacs people living in the area as it would give a boost to tourism in the region by reducing the travel time to the famous tourist destinations of Suransar and Mansar lakes in Jammu division which are visited by thousands of tourists every year thus usher in a new era of socio-economic development in the region. Besides providing the people of the region with better access to education, health and employment opportunities.

JTFRP funded by the World Bank is spending Rs 166 crores on the construction of various road and bridges in Jammu region.

Wheel of progress to restart in Jammu with the start of work on many road and bridge sub-projects under the World Bank funded (JTFRP) Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project. Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Chief Executive Officer, JKERA/JTFRP today directed the engineers and contractors working on the project to resume the work on the projects while strictly adhering to the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) stipulated in the guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India and by the Administration of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir vis-a vis the resumption of construction activities on the infrastructure projects.

Chief Executive Officer, JKERA/JTFRP was chairing a meeting to chalk out modalities for the resumption of work on the various projects under Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project after the administration of the Union Territory has issued guidelines for the resumption of the construction activities which remained stalled due to the implementation of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown.He directed the contractors to restart the work on these projects as soon as possible as the resumption of work on the various projects will instill a new hope in an era of post-pandemic stress and also play a crucial role in revitalizing of the economic activity and creation of employment avenues. Project, Manager, Transport and contractors were also directed to submit the fortnightly reports regarding the progress of work.

Dr. Abid directed the Project Manager,Transport ,JKERA, Jammu to depute the dedicated staff for the execution/monitoring of these works and also directed him to obtain necessary permissions from the concerned Deputy Commissioners for the deployment of the designated engineers at the sites. Project Manager was also asked to depute AEE and JE to Reasi and Poonch immediately.The representatives of the contractors were asked to mobilize men and machinery immediately at construction sites while strictly adhering to the guidelines issued by MHA and government of UT of Jammu and Kashmir for construction related work. He also asked for ensuring the mandatory measures of social distancing, use of face masks, regular hand washing and other requisite sanitation measures at the work sites.He also said that workers and supervisors be encouragedto the use of ArogyaSetu App for better surveillance at the site.He instructed to strictly follow the guidelines/instructions issued as lockdown measures in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as per Government Order no. 55-JK (DMRRR) of 2020 dated 19.05.2020.

He added that works be executed in a systemic manner and each project activity be planned in such a manner so as to ensure that work on all the projects are completed within the agreed upon timelines. Dr Abid also laid stress on ensuring strict and quality control parameters of works.

JTFRP is executing work on the upgradation of (07) vital road projects and (03) bridges in the Jammu division of the Union Territory under the World Bank funded JTFRP (Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project) which will give boost to the socio-economic development in many remote parts of the Union Territory.

Rs 166 crores are being spent on the upgradation of (07) vital road projects having a cumulative road length of 86 kms and on the construction of the (03) bridges in the Jammu division of the Union Territory under the World Bank funded JTFRP (Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project).

Dr, Syed Abid Rasheed Chief Executive Officer, JKERA/JTFRP was informed about this during a meeting chaired by him to review the progress of works under the component -2 of the World Bank funded JTFRP. Bachanlal Bhagat , Director, JKERA Jammu informed that the road projects to be taken up under JTFRP in Jammu Division include the upgradation of 18.29 km Sidhra –Suransar road, upgradation of 11 km Tutan Di Khuie to Khada- Madana road , upgradation of 10 km Malaini-Chakarbati road, upgradation of 10.15 km Chirala Link road, upgradation of 27 km Gulati to Shahdra Sharief road via Gambir Gali, upgradation of 5 km Devi Mai to Ohli Mandir road and upgradation of 4.5 km Anji-Panasa road.He further informed that the work on the (04) road projects has already been completed while as evaluation process for remaining is underway.

The upgradation of these road projects would involve bringing the existing profile to good condition, necessary road drainage, providing the appropriate crust and surface as per design, improving road geometrics of the existing road that would create smooth riding surface thus leading to the less travel time, saving of fuel and preventing wear and tear to the vehicles.

During the meeting CEO,JKERA/JTFRP was further informed that JTFRP will also be executing the work on the construction of (03) vital bridges in the remote parts of the Jammu Division which include construction of motorable steel bridge from Katheel Ganjoo to Barsoa over Ghordi Nallah and motorable bridge from Barsoa to Patri over Barmeeen Nallah in Udhampur District, construction of steel decked foot bridge over Anji Nallah at Sukhal Ghati in Reasi District and construction of steel truss bridge over Betar nallah in Poonch District. It was added that the work on the two bridge projects has been awarded while as for remaining finalization for the award of work is in final stages. The bridges on completion will provide all weather and reliable connectivity to the people living in these remote parts of the Union Territory and provide them with the better socio-economic opportunities.

CEO, JKERA/JTFRP directed the representatives of the contractors’ who were also present in the meeting that they should mobilize immediately after the lifting of the Covid -19 lockdown and impressed upon the engineers, consultants and contractors to complete the works within agreed timelines and also strictly adhere to the quality parameters.

Meeting was also attended by Ajay Kapahi, Project Manager, Transport,J&KERA ,other senior officers of JKERA/JTFRP Jammu, and the representatives of several contractors.

In a major flip to the health infrastructure in the valley Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTRFRP) is augmenting the existing the Bone &Joint hospital at Barzulla, Srinagar by the construction of 120 bedded block with the stat of the art technology.

The hospital will develop a pioneer world class infrastructure facility with specialized Intensive cre wards , 3 specialised modular operation theatres, rooms for faculty , Doctors , paramedics with special focus on development of hospital a teaching institute.

Various modern concepts in the health care infrastructure including environmental designs , patient wellness consideration , macro/micro level zoning ,multilevel structural grid, scope for futuristic development and optimal area utilization being taken into account.

The structure will be G+4 with modern earthquake resilient technology . the upgradation involves the modular operation theatres ,laminar flow system, TSSU, ICU, pre and post operation wards , CSSD, specialized laundry, pneumatic tube system and waste collection system . the main features of the hospital building would include IGBC rating system , biomedical waste management and structure will be designed as per the seismic zone requirements of the Srinagar city.The bio-medical system designed will cater to the bio-medical generation of 140 kgs/day which will be disposed off along the scientific lines

NPCC said that it will mobilize immediately after the COVID-19 lockdown is ended and CEO ERA/JTFRP Dr. Abid assured the NPCC that JTFRP will facilitate the mobilization in light of the guidelines issued by the Govt. related to execution of construction realted to the hospitals.

Pertinent to mention here that Dr, Chandrshekhar , Consultant, World Bank, former Chief Architect, Ministry of health , Govt of India and Chairman IGBC participated in the deliberations and gave his valuable suggestions with regard to the construction of the hospital as per the parameters of modern health care requirements.

CEO,ERA/JTFRP , Dr Abid directed the R&B (PIU for the project ) and NPCC to ensure the completion of work within the stipulated timeframe of 20 months to avoid any cost overruns. He also said that monthly reviews for the project will be held.

Besides meeting was also attended by the Hemang Karelia, Team Leader, World Bank, Deepak Singh, Deputy Team Leader, World Bank, Manzoor Khan, consultant World Bank, Sami Arif, Chief Engineer, R&B,Kashmir, , Iftikhar Hakim, Director, Planning and Coordination, JTFRP, Iftikhar Ahmed Kakroo ,,Director Technical, JTFRP, Consultants of JTFRP.

A virtual workshop on the “The Contract Management during Emergency situations” was today organized by the World Bank for the Project Management Unit of JTFRP (Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project) which is implementing the USD 250 Million Flood Recovery Project funded by the World Bank in the union territory of the Jammu and Kashmir.

The objective of the virtual workshop was to educate participants about the likely adverse impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on the implementation of the bank funded projects, its possible implications on the contract management and to equip them with the various mitigations measures.

Mr Ananya Kumar, a legal expert briefed participants about the various provisions in Indian legal system for interpreting contractual provisions including force majeure in emergencies. He dwelt at length on the provisions provided under sections’ 32 & 56 of the Indian Contract Act,1872, FIDIC Red Book (1999) (2017) . He said that the Force majeure clause has to be seen in harmony with the contract agreement as a whole. He added that in view of the COVID-19 we need to re-organize ourselves in terms of the changed situation.

Dr.Ajit Patwardhan, contract management expert and former Dean NICMAR,Pune delved at length on the affects of COVID-19 on the construction sector and likely claims to be made by the contractors due to the COVID-19 and the lockdown. He stressed on the need for various contract remedial measures to tackle the situation that may arise in the management of contracts in post COVID-19 scenario. Dr. Ajit also gave the various suggestions to the implementing agencies to minimize the impacts of these events.

Prof. C.L Bansal, Public Policy & Governance expert in his session discussed about the role of Dispute Resolution Boards’ and Arbitrators’ in case of the disagreement between the parties. He said in the post COVID -19 era contracts will have to be looked at practically and not only rationally and existing contracts may have to be re-worked by way of NOVATION, ALTERATION,ACCORD and WAIVER for smooth execution of contracts and to avoid conflicts between the parties.

Dr.Syed Abid Rasheed (IAS) Chief Executive Officer, J&KERA/JTFRP who also attended the inaugural session of the virtual workshop appreciated the World Bank for organizing the event and expressed the hope that the workshop would equip the Project Management Unit, JTFRP to handle the contract management issues of the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery project (JTFRP) with a much improved clarity and understanding.

The workshop was also attended by the Iftikhar Hakim, Director Planning and coordination, JTFRP, Iftikhar Ahmad Kakroo, Director, Technical, and other senior officers of JTFRP and more than 350 other participants from different executing agencies across the country via. virtual mode.

The virtual workshop was organized by World Bank in collaboration with AIMA (All India Management Association) and during the course of the workshop participants also had a Q&A sessions with the subject matter experts

Two-day training workshop for girl student volunteers organized by Civil Defense Srinagar in colloboration with JTFRP (Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project) funded by World Bank concluded at Womens Degree College. M.A road Srinagar here today.

The workshop was organized with an objective of imparting the training to 128 girl student volunteers of Womens College , M.A road Srinagar in the areas of relief and rescue efforts in case of natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. The trained instructors from the Civil Defense imparted training to the volunteers on first aid, rescue efforts which included traning on CPR (cardiac pulmonary resuciation) knots, hitches,loops during rescue operations aswell as on fire extingushing methods in case of accidental fires.

Nighat Aman, Deputy Controller, Civil Defence Srinagar in his inaugural address stressed on the need for colloborative efforts in order to face the challenge of natural disasters. She also gave details of the activites conducted by the civil defence like organization of road safety week in April, 2019, relief and rescue activities and snow clearance during Winter season, plantation drives and medical camps in different areas of the Srinagar city.

Jehangir Hashmi, Additional CEO, JKERA congratulated Civil Defence,Srinagar for organizing the 2- day training programme and said that holding of such training programmes in the state is vital to improve the level of preparedeness to meet the challenge of natural disasters in the state of J&K which is very vulnerable to natural disasters. He also highlighted the significance of the traditional architecture of Kashmir like Daji Diwari in prevention of loss of lives during natural calamaties like earthquakes.

The training programme was conducted as part of Strengthening of Disaster Management capacity of the World Bank funded JTFRP (Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project) .Under the component Rs 20 crores have been kept for providing of trainings/equipments to the first responders i.e volunteers at community level who can play a crucial role in rescue and relief efforts immediately after the occurance of natural disasters.

Dr.Yasmin Ashai, Principal Womens College thanked Civil Defence and JTFRP for organizing the workshop for girl students of the college. Training programme was also attended by Sajad Wani, Technical Officer to CEO, ERA, Ms. Fouzia HOD, Department of Geography, Womens College and other staff members of the Civil Defence, JKERA/JTFRP and Womens college M.A road Srinagar

A workshop on “River Morphology Study, Flood Mitigation and Comprehensive River Management measures for Jhelum basin” was organized by the Project Management unit of JTFRP (Jhelum & Tawi Flood Recovery Project ) funded by World Bank at SKICC ,Srinagar here today.
Dr.Raghav Langer (IAS) Chief Executive Officer, JKERA/JTFRP in his inaugural address said that the workshop will provide the platform for sharing our experiences and incorporating them into the study that is being conducted under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project .He said that better information sharing would lead to better results.

Pandurang Kondbarao Pole (IAS) Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, who was Guest of Honour said that the better information sharing and coordination between various line depts is crucial to formulating long lasting solutions for strengthening the resilience to floods.
Ajeet Kumar Sahu (IAS), Commissioner Secretary, PHE and I&FC who was also Guest of Honour stressed on the need for creating the scientific database available within the various departments at a single platform.

Rohit Kansal (IAS), Principal Secretary, Department of Planning, Development and Monitoring Chief Guest on the occasion in his key note address said that the main aim of the ongoing World Bank funded JTFRP is to ensure that we don't have to go through the traumatic experience of 2014 floods again in our lives. He added that prevention of encroachment of urban flood plain is vital to prevention of such floods in future. He further said that the key to prevention of natural calamities is to undertake developmental activities without disturbing the delicate balance of nature.

David Sargent , Team Leader Eptisa private limited a consultancy that has been engaged by JTFRP for the preparation of River Morphology Study of Jhelum River Basin gave a comprehensive presentation on history of floods in Kashmir, Impact of 2014 floods, present status of the study being undertaken under JTFRP ,various possible solutions to prevent recurrence of such floods in future. Later presentations were also given by the experts on the the field of Flood Forecasting, Early Warning, Fluvial Geomorphology, Inundation map modeling, environmental assessment study of Jhelum basin. The technical session was followed by interactive session during which participants discussed on various aspects that would further enrich the study being undertaken under JTFRP.

Iftikhar Kakroo, Director, Technical, JTFRP presented vote of thanks.
Workshop was attended by Chief Engineers of PHED, Kashmir,R&B Kashmir, UEED J&K, Director Planning and Coordination , JTFRP, Director Regional MET office, M.D JK industries, officers of Chief Town Plannner, Kashmir, Dept of Ecology and Remote Sensing, SMC , JKERA and academicians Dr Shakeel Romsho HOD,Earth Sciences Dept , Professor M.Sultan HOD, Department of Geography and Regional Development from University of Kashmir and also faculty from NIT and IMPA Srinagar.

The 3-day workshop was attended by the elected representatives from more than 30 panchayat/ urban local bodies across the Kashmir Division and during the course of three days experts in the field of disaster management Dr. G.M Dar, Dr Khurshid ul-islam , Dr. Mohammad Asharf Dar and Mr . Ashfaq Matoo, Executive Director, JKASW a practitioner in the area of disaster management briefed participants about the various aspects of disaster management like role of communities in disaster management, community based disaster vulnerability mapping, availability of disaster kits , dry rations, emergency response, importance of local volunteers in relief and rescue work , preparation of community based disaster management plans and role of councilors in disaster management mitigation etc. Audio- visual documentaries related to topic were also screened during the workshop

The objective of the 3-day workshop was to sensitize and build capacities of the elected representatives of PRIs and ULBs in the area of disaster management in order to enable them to perform better in case of natural disasters at community level.

The workshop is being conducted as part of a series of capacity building workshops which is being conducted by J&KERA under its World Bank funded JTFRP and two capacity building workshops for the” Role of NSS scheme in disaster management and “Preparation of school safety plans” have already been conducted which were attended by the NSS coordinators, NSS volunteers and principals and various functionaries of different schools across the valley.