Himachal Pradesh to achieve 1,500km road target if land made available in time: Minister Vikramaditya Singh
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh public works minister
Vikramaditya Singh
said on Monday that the state govt was poised to achieve its ambitious target of constructing 1,500km roads, provided there was cooperation from local communities and panchayats.
At the same time, he also stated that the target could be curtailed to 400–500 km in the absence of timely land availability and local support. The minister said Himachal Pradesh is leading the nation in uploading detailed project reports (DPRs) under Phase IV of
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
(PMGSY).
The minister added a comprehensive strategy was being adopted to expedite the implementation of development projects under the public works and urban development departments.
He added a high-level review meeting was recently held with senior officers, engineers, and executive officers of the urban development department, PWD, and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Highlighting delays in forest clearances and non-registration of land, the minister said a joint meeting under the chairmanship of the CM was being planned with the panchayati raj and rural development departments. Land identification and acquisition would be accelerated with the involvement of local representatives and the district administration, he added. To ensure accountability, PWD divisions have been classified into four zones: red, yellow, green, and non-performing.
Strict action, including charge sheets and blacklisting, would be taken against underperforming officers and contractors, the minister clarified.
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