JTFRP significant in raising critical infrastructure, livelihood creation: Chief Secretary

Srinagar, Nov 16: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today said that Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) is significant in raising the critical infrastructure and livelihood creation.
According to an official press release, he was speaking while chairing the 5th Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting of the World Bank funded (JTFRP implemented by J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) here.
Besides the Secretary Tourism and CEO, ERA the meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, H&UDD; Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce; DG, Planning; and others concerned.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the pace of the ongoing projects and stressed on further enhancing it for projects nearing completion so that these are dedicated to public before the onset of winter season. He further instructed for completing the infrastructure projects in all respects so that people do not face any kind of inconvenience in their smooth utilization.
Dr Mehta called JTFRP very pivotal in improving public utilities like schools, colleges, hospitals and other disaster mitigating assets. He asserted that project has also revived the traditional handicrafts which has directly and indirectly provided employment to thousands of our artisans and craftsmen.
Regarding the unutilised funds lend by the World Bank to JTFRP the Chief Secretary directed for looking into the ways and means for securing extension of the project, if possible. He made out that the projects completed under it have proved lot more beneficial for the people and the funds can be used to bring about further improvement in critical infrastructure and livelihood opportunities for people.
Dr Mehta took note of the delay caused in 2019 and 2020 due to unforeseen Covid-19 situation. He asked for making best use of the time window available with them. He also advised them to prioritize the projects that can be implemented in a short span of time.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the detailed progress of all the sub-projects and directed that the ones under execution through JKPCC shall be taken over by the Public Works (R&B) Department on priority basis.
The Chief Secretary asked the Public Works Department to take-up the incomplete infrastructure projects for executing them within the deadline. He also directed the respective line departments to take over all the completed sub-projects under JTFRP within a weeks time.
He asked for bringing in innovation and further augment the productivity of these projects poised to create livelihood opportunities for our people. He called for examining the projects completed till date so that their functionality is ascertained afresh especially that of the Storm Water Drainage projects around the Srinagar city.