CS takes on-spot appraisal of works on Srinagar-Jammu NH

Udhampur/Ramban, Dec 10: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Sunday took on the spot assessment of the road condition of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway besides visiting some prestigious project sites in the twin districts of Udhampur and Ramban.

At Ramban, the chief secretary took stock of the pace and progress on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and other critical infrastructure under implementation in the district.

Dulloo held a meeting at Chandrkote, where senior officers including Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; DIG, DKR Range, Sunil Gupta; Deputy Commissioner (DC), Ramban, Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary; SSP Ramban, Mohita Sharma; SSP Traffic, Rohit Baskotra besides other sectoral officers and key project directors attended the meeting.

After the meeting, the chief secretary physically inspected challenging spots on the highway like Dalwas and other spots in the Ramban area.

DC Ramban, Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary provided detailed insights into the status of the highway, focusing on the 66 km stretch between Nashri-Navyug Tunnel.

The chief secretary was apprised of completion dates for various tunnels and received updates on the cooperation extended by the district administration to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
Chaudhary also highlighted the imminent completion of the railway line in the district and briefed the chief secretary about the Sawalakote Hydroelectric Project, a monumental initiative currently undergoing environmental impact assessment.

Shifting the focus to social indicators, the chief secretary was briefed on efforts to enhance girl child education in the Ramban district and the ongoing Vikshit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, with substantial participation from youth and women.

He was assured that the team of district administration Ramban aims to saturate all centrally-sponsored schemes in the district by December 2025.

On addressing the road safety concerns, the chief secretary directed the SSP Traffic, Ramban to intensify the surveillance and laid stress on displaying zero-tolerance towards repeated traffic violators. Additionally, he urged the National Highway Project Director to focus on critical spots causing traffic bottlenecks during peak season.

Emphasising the need to address drug addiction, the chief secretary directed the SSP Ramban to maintain a close vigil on such illicit trade for its effective control.
Earlier, he conducted a comprehensive tour of the Udhampur district, focusing on the works going on the Devika River and the construction of the Government Medical College (GMC) in Udhampur.

The chief secretary inspected Devika Ghat, inspected the Devika project in toto, and conducted a site visit of the operational Sewage Treatment Plant-II and beautification of Devika Ghat.
He also inspected various sections of the Government Medical College and Associated Hospital.

The chief secretary assessed the recent specialised surgeries performed in the institution along with the position of the existing staff strength in the hospital.

Accompanied by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar and DC Udhampur Saloni Rai, the chief secretary visited the construction sites of the 200-bedded teaching district hospital, the makeshift building of GMC Udhampur.

During his visit, Dulloo directed the Principal GMC Udhampur to ensure quality service, minimise referral cases, and create a conducive environment for the students undergoing training.

The chief secretary also inquired about the availability of medicines, diagnostics, and facilities at the Associated Hospital of the GMC.

He inspected various sections, including classrooms and labs to take an assessment of the facilities provided there.

Interacting with the staff, the chief secretary received briefings on lab tests, procedures, equipment availability of CT scans, and surgical procedures done in the hospital.