SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 30: Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javed Rana, today informed the House that execution of the water supply pipeline project sanctioned under AMRUT 2.0 for 13 wards of Municipal Committee Budgam has been progressing at a slower pace than envisaged, with only about 1.5 km of the proposed 14-km pipeline laid, so far.
The Minister was replying on behalf of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to a Calling Attention Notice moved by MLA, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi regarding the inordinate delay in execution of the project and the consequent difficulties being faced by the residents of the area.
The Minister stated that the project is being executed through the Jal Shakti Department and, as per the report of the Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Kashmir, the tendering process was delayed at the initial stage due to non-response and inadequate participation, resulting in delayed commencement of the work.
He informed the House that even after commencement, the pace of execution remained below the desired level.
The contractor has been mobilizing manpower, machinery and construction material in a staggered manner, instead of deploying adequate resources for continuous execution of the project, he added.
“The proposed pipeline alignment includes stretches along road berms and the 150-feet carriageway, besides multiple road crossings and cross-cuts, which have also posed certain execution-related constraints. The matter concerning the required crossings has been taken up with the concerned PMGSY authorities, and its resolution is expected shortly”, the Minister informed.
He said that concerted efforts are being made by the Mission Directorate, J&K, AMRUT 2.0, Jal Shakti Department and District Administration to expedite the execution and ensure timely completion of the project.
The Minister informed that the Department has repeatedly issued directions and notices to the contractor to enhance the pace of execution and mobilize adequate manpower, machinery and construction material. The contractor has now been given a final opportunity to substantially augment the resources and accelerate the work within the stipulated period, he added.
He made it clear that in the event of failure to achieve the required progress, the Department shall take action under the terms and conditions of the contract, including foreclosure of the contract and execution of the balance work at the contractor’s risk and cost, as warranted.
The Minister further informed that, subject to the requisite tendering and allied formalities, the balance work is expected to be completed by April 2027. He assured the House that the Department is continuously monitoring the execution of the project and will take all necessary measures to ensure its expeditious completion.
