SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a crucial joint meeting today with representatives from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, Health & Medical Education, Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti, and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to expedite the completion of this vital healthcare facility in the region. The meeting focused on assessing the progress of the construction, addressing challenges, and ensuring timely delivery of essential infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, the Secretary of PWD, the Secretary of Health & Medical Education, the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama, the Chief Engineer of CPWD, and the Director General of Budget, among others.
Chief Secretary Dulloo evaluated the status of physical infrastructure at the site and inquired about the current timelines for completion. He also raised concerns about the availability of laborers, stressing the need to increase the workforce immediately after the winter season concludes. He further directed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure the completion of the first phase of the Water Supply Scheme (WSS), including three bore wells and allied works, by May this year. This is vital for ensuring a reliable water supply to the hospital once it becomes operational.
Dulloo also reviewed the construction of the approach road to the facility and assessed the requirements for future expansion of the project. He asked the Executive Director of AIIMS, Dr Sachidananda Mohanty, about any outstanding administrative issues that could impede the progress of the project and assured him of full government support.
Dr Mohanty updated the meeting on the overall status of the facility, reporting that about 61 per cent of the work has been completed across all 57 blocks. He revealed that AIIMS Awantipora is expected to become functional by the end of November 2025. The facility includes six hospital blocks, four academic blocks, 16 residential blocks, 12 hostel blocks, an Ayush block, a night shelter, and a guest house, all part of the national-level medical college and hospital.
The meeting also highlighted the challenges faced due to the cold weather, which led to the migration of laborers. Currently, around 850 laborers, including skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers, are present on-site, down from 2,400-2,500 workers during fair weather conditions. Despite this, work is progressing on key blocks, and officials are optimistic about the timely completion of the project.
