Chief Secretary Reviews Developmental Progress in Bandipora, Lays Foundation Stones for Key Projects

Chief Secretary Reviews Developmental Progress in Bandipora, Lays Foundation Stones for Key Project

Tarique Raheem 

Bandipora, July 20: 

Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, chaired a high-level review meeting with the Bandipora district administration on Saturday to assess the progress of ongoing development projects and the implementation of Centrally Sponsored and UT Sector schemes.

Held at the Mini Secretariat, the meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, SSP Harmeet Singh, and senior district and sectoral officers. The Deputy Commissioner presented a detailed overview of the district’s developmental status, highlighting key sectors including health, education, power, tourism, agriculture, water supply, and rural development.

Calling for mission-mode implementation, the Chief Secretary directed concerned departments—particularly Power, Education, Health, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Tourism—to fast-track infrastructure projects aimed at improving citizens' quality of life. He stressed the effective execution of flagship schemes such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), cooperative movement promotion, PMAY, and comprehensive healthcare coverage.

During the visit, Dulloo laid the foundation stones for projects worth ₹805 lakh, including a 100-bed Scheduled Tribe (Gujjar & Bakerwal) hostel and a new District Veterinary Hospital.

He also reviewed the ₹41 crore District Capex Plan 2025–26, which includes ₹10 crore under District Development Council (DDC) grants, ₹3 crore under Block Development Council (BDC) grants, ₹25 crore in Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) grants, and additional funds under Aspirational Block and Panchayat Development components. The plan encompasses 2,078 works, including several spillover projects from previous fiscal years.

In health and education, works worth ₹1.86 crore and ₹2.85 crore respectively are currently under execution, with fresh allocations under the Aspirational Block Scheme.

The Deputy Commissioner flagged critical concerns including the need for enhanced human resources and infrastructure at the District Hospital, and road widening along the Sumbal–Bandipora stretch.

Emphasising the importance of synergy among departments, Dulloo called for timely submission of project estimates, logistical efficiency in remote areas, and strict adherence to transparency, quality control, and public accountability in developmental works.

Later, the Chief Secretary interacted with delegations from civil society, trade unions, tribal communities, NYCs, and youth groups. He assured prompt and time-bound redressal of their issues.

He also inspected departmental stalls showcasing various government schemes and services, set up by Tourism, Health, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, and allied departments.

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