JAMMU: The World Bank has extended the Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) until August 31, 2026, allowing for the completion of remaining works that could not be finished by December 2024 due to various reasons. So far, Rs 1,547.5 crore has been spent on the project, with the World Bank reimbursing Rs 1,465.86 crore.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level review meeting on the project, where the CEO of the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA), Aijaz Asad, presented a detailed update. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), the Commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), and the Chief Engineer of the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department, among others.
The Chief Secretary directed the ERA to ensure regular monitoring of the ongoing works and emphasised that all projects must be completed within the extended timeline without any laxity. He further instructed the R&B Department to take penal action or blacklist defaulting contractors failing to meet quality and deadline requirements.
Among the key updates, it was informed that the 160-bedded new block of the Bone & Joint Hospital has been fully completed, with the procurement of additional equipment expected to be finished by the end of this month. Additionally, the 130-bedded additional block at Government LD Hospital is being closely monitored for timely completion within the extended timeframe.
Regarding the construction of five bridges in North Kashmir, Secretary PWD Bhupinder Kumar informed that Letters of Acceptance (LoA) have been issued for the bridges at Wahidina, Waza Mohallah, Shrakwara, and Wagoora. These are expected to be completed by December 2025.
On the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) at Humhama, officials reported that the dormitory building, service block, and warehouse have been completed. However, delays in procuring electromechanical components led to the termination of the contractor’s agreement, with the remaining works now set to be re-tendered. The project, valued at Rs 40.16 crore, is expected to be completed within seven months.
Commissioner SMC Owais Ahmad provided updates on the upgradation of 49 dewatering stations in Srinagar. He stated that 45 stations are now fully functional, while two at Khan Colony and Surnai Mohalla have been dropped, and two at Zero Bridge and Peerbagh have been foreclosed. Additionally, the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, aimed at improving efficiency in dewatering operations, has been completed for Rs 32.12 crore and handed over to the SMC.
